THE RAIN WAS REALLY INTENSE
During a visit to the Botanic Gardens bank in July 2009 I had to abandon the session and as there was no bus shelter nearby I decided to visit a pub across the road from the Gardens. It was known as The Addison Lodge at the time.
I recently discovered, at a conference, that my personal observations about changes in rainfall patterns in Ireland over the last few decades is not just due to my imagination or false memories. Climate scientists and meteorologists have documented shifts in precipitation patterns, including:
Increased Intensity: While total annual rainfall may not have changed dramatically, there's evidence that individual rain events have become more intense. This means shorter bursts of heavier rain, leading to flash flooding and localised impacts.
Shifting Seasonality: Traditional patterns of long, steady rains are becoming less frequent, replaced by more unpredictable showers. This can lead to drier periods interspersed with sudden downpours.
Increased Variability: Overall, there's greater variability in weather patterns, making it harder to predict long-term trends. This is in line with the broader effects of climate change, which is disrupting traditional weather patterns globally.
Why these changes?
These shifts are likely due to a combination of factors, including:
Warmer Atmosphere: As the atmosphere warms due to climate change, it can hold more moisture. This leads to heavier rainfall when conditions are right for precipitation.
Changing Jet Stream: The jet stream, a high-altitude air current that influences weather patterns, is becoming more variable. This can lead to more extreme weather events, including both heavy rain and prolonged dry spells.
Ocean Temperatures: Changes in ocean temperatures, particularly in the Atlantic, can influence weather patterns in Ireland, leading to shifts in rainfall amounts and timing.
Impact on Ireland:
The changing rainfall patterns have a significant impact on Ireland. Flash flooding is becoming more frequent, causing damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life. Agriculture is also affected, with farmers facing challenges from both drought and excessive rain.
Future Outlook:
Climate models predict that these trends will continue, with even more intense rainfall events and increased variability in the future. Adapting to these changes will be crucial for managing flood risks, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable water management in Ireland.
I recently discovered, at a conference, that my personal observations about changes in rainfall patterns in Ireland over the last few decades is not just due to my imagination or false memories. Climate scientists and meteorologists have documented shifts in precipitation patterns, including:
Increased Intensity: While total annual rainfall may not have changed dramatically, there's evidence that individual rain events have become more intense. This means shorter bursts of heavier rain, leading to flash flooding and localised impacts.
Shifting Seasonality: Traditional patterns of long, steady rains are becoming less frequent, replaced by more unpredictable showers. This can lead to drier periods interspersed with sudden downpours.
Increased Variability: Overall, there's greater variability in weather patterns, making it harder to predict long-term trends. This is in line with the broader effects of climate change, which is disrupting traditional weather patterns globally.
Why these changes?
These shifts are likely due to a combination of factors, including:
Warmer Atmosphere: As the atmosphere warms due to climate change, it can hold more moisture. This leads to heavier rainfall when conditions are right for precipitation.
Changing Jet Stream: The jet stream, a high-altitude air current that influences weather patterns, is becoming more variable. This can lead to more extreme weather events, including both heavy rain and prolonged dry spells.
Ocean Temperatures: Changes in ocean temperatures, particularly in the Atlantic, can influence weather patterns in Ireland, leading to shifts in rainfall amounts and timing.
Impact on Ireland:
The changing rainfall patterns have a significant impact on Ireland. Flash flooding is becoming more frequent, causing damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life. Agriculture is also affected, with farmers facing challenges from both drought and excessive rain.
Future Outlook:
Climate models predict that these trends will continue, with even more intense rainfall events and increased variability in the future. Adapting to these changes will be crucial for managing flood risks, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable water management in Ireland.
THE RAIN WAS REALLY INTENSE