The country’s average annual air temperature reached 10.72°C, which is 1.17°C above the 1961-1990 long-term average (LTA) and 0.55°C higher than the more recent 1991-2020 LTA. While 2024 ranked as the fourth warmest year, it was nearly half a degree cooler than 2023, the warmest year on record.

The five warmest years recorded are 2023, 2022, 2007, 2024, and 1945, with seven of the ten warmest years occurring since 2005. In contrast, the coldest year on record was 1919, with an average temperature of 8.73°C, and none of the ten coldest years have occurred since 2000.

Met Éireann noted that Ireland’s warming trend aligns with global climate patterns, with projections indicating continued temperature increases. This warming raises the likelihood of extreme weather events.

Provisional data ranks 2024 as the 41st driest or 44th wettest year for rainfall since 1941. The year also saw the warmest May on record and was drier than average overall, though heavy rainfall events led to localized flooding. Seven named storms affected Ireland, including Isha and Darragh, which brought violent storm-force winds.

Met Éireann highlighted the growing occurrence of “compound events,” where multiple climate impacts occur simultaneously. Rainfall patterns are expected to shift, with more frequent dry periods alongside intense downpours.

Rising global sea levels also pose an increasing risk, contributing to storm surges and coastal flooding. Met Éireann warned that while the future frequency and intensity of storms remain uncertain, maximum rainfall rates associated with storms are expected to rise with continued warming.