Kilkenny equals 1976 heatwave record after 14 days of 25°C+ weather
Kilkenny has matched a heatwave record that has stood since the legendary summer of 1976 after temperatures climbed above 25°C for a 14th consecutive day
Kilkenny has matched a heatwave record that has stood for almost half a century after temperatures climbed above 25°C for the 14th consecutive day yesterday (Sunday, July 19).
According to Kilkenny Weather's Niall Dollard, the mercury reached a high of 25.2°C in Kilkenny on Sunday, extending the remarkable run of warm weather that began on July 6.
The latest reading means the county has now recorded 14 consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding 25°C, equalling the previous record set during the famous August 1976 heatwave.
Sharing the update on social media, Mr Dollard said: "It reached a maximum of 25.2° in Kilkenny on Sunday. That makes it now 14 consecutive days over 25° (since July 6th). Ties with the old heatwave record from August 1976."
The prolonged spell of sunshine and high temperatures has brought packed parks, busy riverside walks and thriving outdoor dining across Kilkenny, with many making the most of what has been one of the county's most sustained periods of summer heat in decades.
Despite the remarkable run of hot weather, Kilkenny's all-time temperature record – which is also Ireland's national temperature record – remains unbroken.
The highest temperature ever recorded in the country was 33.3°C, measured at Kilkenny Castle on June 26, 1887, a record that has stood for more than 130 years.