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Irish Summer Weather Prediction 2009

  
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This was broadcast on RTE Radio 1 on Saturday 16th May 2009.

The subject is one we all want the answer to - what is the weather going to be like in Ireland this summer.

Taking part in the (sometimes) heated debate are:

Evelyn Cusack - Met Eireann

TP O'Conchuir - a fokelorist and weather expert from Kerry who has been observing local weather signs for many years.

Ken Ring - Long range weather forecaster from New Zealand.

As you might expect, Evelyn Cusack defends the science of weather forecasting and is very dismissive of O'Conchuir and Ring. She is actually quite annoying at times during the interview as she talks over other guests but they hold their own very well.

And the big question - what is the Irish summer going to be like.

O'Conchuir says we'll have about 6 weeks of good weather during the summer months - but no specifics as to the dates but "it won't be a bad summer"

Ring says the following as posted on his website http://www.predictweather.com

-------------------

Summer may be fairly wet over some months but not as bad as last year. There may be more sunshine this year, with temperatures not all that high. On the whole consistently warmer days may not arrive for most until later in the season, probably in the start of and then after June.

MAY; wet in the NORTH and WEST off and on, for the whole month, but  for the last half of the month some sunny days in the EAST. In the SOUTH, possibly 10 days of overcast skies, then quite settled weather for the second half of the month.

JUNE, dry for the first fortnight over most of the country and temperatures above 20degC.

JULY, a mainly wet month for all, but the north, west and east may be drier between 12th-17th.

AUGUST, a wet month for all, with only the SOUTH getting a good sunny period between 25th-30th.

SEPTEMBER, likely to be the warmest and most summery month for all, with best of summer weather between 6th-17th for the whole country. 

So for all; time to plan holidays and picnics may be:

May (good in E and S in second half)
June 2nd-11th
July (only good in N and E, 12th-17th)
Aug (only good in last week in S and E)
Sept, 6th-17th (longer in W)

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Comments (12)

May 25, 2009
Eleanor said...
After listening, yes I agree Evelyn Cusack is very annoying, rude and condescending towards the other guests.
Jun 04, 2009
Joe Hawksley said...
The arrogance of Evelyn Cussack is astounding. I accept her points and I believe that met eireann do a good job forcasting the the weather a few days in advance, but to so forcefully and rudely dismiss other opinions simply because they don't tally with her own criteria displays a narrow mindedness which is disgusting. No one is trying to say they can predict the weather exactly, but there is no doubt that 100 plus years ago people did live more closely with nature, and they did observe events which could signifyfuture weather indications. We had a colder more 'normal' winter last year, we had a wetter more 'normal' spring this year, the black thorn is much later, there are more swallows about... why? As the old saying goes a cold May is kindly and fills the barns... I am sure the saying wasn't made up for the hell of it. Folklore is never going to predict hour on hour weather events, but as an indication of future weather patterns it can be useful. Final point... Evelyn Cussack, even if she doesn't agree with other weather comentators, would do well not to be so dismissive and blatantly rude. You don't have to agree with something, but don't shoot down others just because they have a different opinion than yours. I was flabbergasted by her lack of manners and courtesy
Jul 09, 2009
paula said...
My God she is so rude.
Aug 14, 2009
Thomas said...
god help the man thats married to Evelyn Cusack she would drive me MAD,met eirrean is wrong most of the time if you ask me i like kens idea by using the moon,ive heard his name many times by people saying that he,s always right and i believe thats kens correct by saying that gobal warming doesnt exist,if you research it and listen to the top scientists you too will know its a tax scam invented by the eilte familys of the corporate world,the world is heating up slightly but due to sun flares,not man
Aug 22, 2009
 said...
brilliant... really enjoyed. If she'd shut up for a minute she might learn something... roll on September ;)
Sep 08, 2009
fiona otoole said...
my God! What a rude woman! unbelievable!
Sep 09, 2009
fiona otoole said...
Today is 8th Sep and it is miraculously sunny and balmy. So he was right all along....... we hope! Met Eireann have now predicted 5 days of sun! Hello, ken got there first guys.
Sep 09, 2009
PJ Byrne said...
What an arrogant woman!
Sep 16, 2009
paul said...
she came accross very poorly, very nasty!
Sep 17, 2009
paul in killarney said...
Your man ken ring was dead right so far for the weather. The good weather started the first 2 weeks of june and july was pretty wet and apart from a few days and august was pretty much a wash out and just like ur man ken ring said the weather from the 7th of sept onwards has being brilliant. He was 100% accurarte.
Sep 23, 2009
Rob said...
The weather in Cork was sublime in September!! Well done Ken Ring and boo to Evelyn!!
Oct 30, 2009
James said...
Ken Ring deserves an award, alot of people spoof and on the laws of average will get some of what they say right, but Kens accuracy takes the biscuit. I bought a years weather forecast from ken for €113. Its worth every cent of it as i'm involved in farming. Met Eireann should be lined up and shot. If i want todays weather all i have to do is open my eyes. The arrogance of the likes of evelyn is unreal. It takes skill to predict weather, obviously lacking in Met Eireann !!

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