Although the start of June brought intense thunderstorms, especially on 1 and 8 June, dry and settled weather from the end of May dominated the first two weeks.

There was a break in the fine weather for the third week of the month, however, Storm Hector passed close to the northwest, giving two days of rain and gales.

This was the last significant rainfall for farmers as thereafter there has been a surge in temperatures. From 21 June, a settled and exceptionally dry period followed, with a heatwave and partial drought conditions reported. Farmers have had to turn to forms of irrigation to fight the weather, with dairy farmers in the douth being particularly badly affected.

Rainfall

Roscommon was the only location were rainfall totals were not below their long-term average for the month (up 11%). The Phoenix Park recorded it's driest month since 1941, with just 3.8mm of rain.

To help out farmers with a lack of fodder, Glanbia has even imported forage for their suppliers. A mix of alfalfa and soya was divided among some Kilkenny farmers on Monday.

Temperature

The month's lowest temperatures were recorded on 22 June in Roscommon at 2.1 °C. The lowest grass minimum temperature, recorded at Dunsany, Co Meath, was -1.2 °C.

The highest temperature was hit on 28 June at Shannon Airport, Co Clare, with a temperature of 32 °C. This was the highest daily maximum temperature since 1946.

Sunny days

Monthly sunshine totals were highest at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford with 279.9 hours and they were recorded lowest at Malin Head, Co Donegal with 199.3 hours.

The number of dull days ranged from zero days at Dublin Airport and Johnstown Castle to seven days at both Malin Head, Co Donegal and Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry.

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Temperature warning – highs of 28°c