Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo of Kilkenny Castle Shutterstock

Study casts doubt on 1887 record for Ireland's hottest temperature

Analysis of the record finds it to be a significant outliner compared to modern temperature differences.

A NEW STUDY raises questions about the highest temperature recorded in Ireland.

A preprint of the research garnered attention last year but the final version has now been peer-reviewed and published in full this week.
33.3C was recorded at Kilkenny Castle in June 1887 and remains unbeaten 135 years later.

The highest temperature since was 33.1C in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on 18 July last year.

This makes Ireland as the only country in Europe with a record temperature set in the 19th century.

A team of Masters students led by Katherine Dooley at Maynooth University have examined the record and found reason to doubt its veracity.

cp-19-1-2023-t01-web Highest daily maximum temperature records (at the time of the study's publication) of several NW European countries surrounding Ireland.

The study found that information relating to the 1887 record is missing or unknown, such as who made the recording, and where the recording was made on the grounds of Kilkenny. Some limited data is available: the type of thermometer used and the fact that it was housed in a Stevenson screen.

The team then looked to use similar methods employed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in assessing other historic records, as was used when examining the debunked 1922 hottest world temperature.

The team compared the temperature recorded on that day with temperature recorded at other stations that existed at the time, and also with temperatures recorded at a modern weather station at Greenshill in Kilkenny, close to the site of Kilkenny Castle.

Professor at Maynooth University and an author of the report, Peter Thorne told The Journal:

“What you find is that in every compass direction [...] that value in 1887 is either right on the edge of the distribution of modern-day differences, or entirely outside, particularly in the case of Phoenix Park.

“The difference in 1887 between Kilkenny Castle and Phoenix Park is larger than any value of difference in the modern era between Kilkenny Greenshill and Phoenix Park that has ever been obtained.

cp-19-1-2023-f03-web A graph from the study showing how much of an outliner the Kilkenny record was compared to other stations in 1887

“The final piece of evidence was using things that we call reanalysis which are effectively weather forecasts run retrospectively. There’s one type that uses just surface pressure and sea surface temperature and we could use that to look at the circulation.

Although it was consistent with warm conditions, it was not consistent with the pattern of temperatures that are not implied to be present on that day by that 1887 value on a physical basis.

Thorne said it is also unlikely that Kilkenny was significantly warmer than all surrounding areas:

“Temperature gradients tend to be low in summer and in daytime. There’s a diurnal cycle in wind so you get more mixing in the daytime than you do at night, particularly in the summer.

“So those kinds of temperature gradients may well be attainable in nighttime minima temperatures, particularly in winter, but are highly unlikely to occur in daytime maximum temperatures, particularly in summer.

The study notes that it is ultimately the responsibility of Met Éireann to interrogate the findings and determine whether a decision should be made to alter the 1887 record.

“We need to constantly look – and we do as the climate science community – at and reassess our understanding of historical measurements,” Thorne said.

“And that’s both extreme temperatures or extremes of climate, but also long-term changes in climate. So we’re constantly looking to improve our understanding of these measurements. No measurement is perfect.”

Thorne added that any change to the record will likely be a moot point within a decade, as the increasing impact of climate change is likely to see the 33.3C record matched or exceeded, with a temperature of 35C or 36C possible under the right weather conditions.

The study concludes that the highest verifiable temperature in Ireland was recorded in Boora, Co Offaly, in 1976, when 32.5 C was recorded.

This was before 33.1C was reached in the Phoenix Park in July last year, which is still undergoing verification, but will likely be confirmed as surpassing the 1976 record.

In a statement, Met Éireann said many other stations reported warm temperatures on that same day in 1887.

“The thermometer at Kilkenny Castle was housed to acceptable standards, inspected regularly, and was certified as accurate, therefore the observation is considered to be accurate and reliable,” the statement continued.

Met Éireann is the repository for climate data dating back to the mid to late 1800s. Data prior to the mid-1900s is still mainly on paper. Data rescue projects are ongoing to digitise this data. As more historical observations and new scientific research become available, all national records, indeed all climate observations are reviewed.  When as many as possible of the twenty-one stations mentioned above are rescued and quality controlled, we will reassess the Kilkenny Castle record.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
24 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute alphanautica
    Favourite alphanautica
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 8:27 AM

    If collectively an enterprise lacks commercial merit it tends to go out of business.

    The curse of the private sector.

    190
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rose Sexy
    Favourite Rose Sexy
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:46 AM

    Will virgin give us utv back.

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute james
    Favourite james
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 9:41 AM

    Bad very bad ,crap station

    149
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Congress Tart
    Favourite Congress Tart
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 9:56 AM

    “We are still proud of what we managed to do.”

    No offence, but you did nothing.

    134
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Arien
    Favourite Arien
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 8:15 AM

    No different to any other redundancy situation or merger. Thousands have experienced this, suck it up.

    117
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b..
    Favourite Alan b..
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 8:28 AM

    People at UTV thought us Irish were silly little creatures who would swallow up their sad excuse of TV did they think we were stupid

    197
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TehJurolan
    Favourite TehJurolan
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 12:12 PM

    Calling it UTV Ireland was the first joke decision – a station that showed 95% British content – most of which was chav sh*te.

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin O Leary
    Favourite Colin O Leary
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:47 AM

    Terrible comments by some, kicking people when they are down, best of luck in the future whoever lost a job

    103
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Devlin
    Favourite Paul Devlin
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:19 AM

    Anyone who thought UTV Ireland would produce a Channel 4 News style show was either a bit deluded or had never viewed UTV news. One is a proper news show the other is largely about sick kids/puppies that are being ‘brave, rugby and sucking up to old soldiers and the British monarch. Hardly the stuff an ambitious young hack should aspire to

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara McCorley
    Favourite Ciara McCorley
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 11:22 AM

    The announcer between programs said “UTV island”…. Couldn’t even say Ireland! That’s bugged me from the beginning!

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dónal O'Flynn
    Favourite Dónal O'Flynn
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 4:44 PM

    @Ciara McCorley: Perhaps it was intentional? Ulster (Television!) says yes?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ted hagan
    Favourite ted hagan
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:25 PM

    @Ciara McCorley:
    Yea Peter Robinson of the DUP also seemed to find it difficult to say Ireland.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Les Behan
    Favourite Les Behan
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:06 AM

    ““This was a brand new employer with a brand new national news service, so it presented a great opportunity for young journalists who were coming up the ranks. To be part of a team that launches something new, there’s a buzz that you just don’t get in another job.”

    Yeah that’s why they then hired Pat Kenny! The dogs on the street knew this was going to fail the minute it was announced.

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael McGuinness
    Favourite Michael McGuinness
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:42 AM

    Rubbish station, showed repeatit UTV, ITV. Don’t think new channel 3Be, be any better.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john g mcgrath
    Favourite john g mcgrath
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 1:07 PM

    Tallaght T V expanding

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Veroníca
    Favourite Veroníca
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 8:41 AM

    Will poor Pat Kenny still have a job or will he have to go back to RTE with his tail between his legs!!! Never do for pat to be outta a job!

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin Gillespie
    Favourite Justin Gillespie
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:00 AM

    @Veroníca: Another half wit who doesn’t bother reading the article before coming out with hateful, half witted nonsense.

    103
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauliebhoy
    Favourite Pauliebhoy
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:07 AM

    And 29 people at this age agreeing too

    14
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauliebhoy
    Favourite Pauliebhoy
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:08 AM

    *stage

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall O'Keeffe
    Favourite Niall O'Keeffe
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:08 AM

    @Veroníca: “Poor” Pat Kenny? Who works for both TV3 and Newstalk? Somehow, I think he’ll be okay.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Congress Tart
    Favourite Congress Tart
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 10:26 AM

    @Niall O’Keeffe: Turn on your sarcasm detector, dumbass.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bean Ui Mise
    Favourite Bean Ui Mise
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 11:55 AM

    Why are people knocking PK for working? Plenty people contribute nothing.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Veroníca
    Favourite Veroníca
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 5:14 PM

    I have no doubt he will Niall! He can always retire on his healthy savings!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute alan hopkins
    Favourite alan hopkins
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 11:16 AM

    More repeats by a crap station. Won’t be watching

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nialls
    Favourite nialls
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 11:21 AM

    Good because it will be difficult to watch from next week

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick James Walsh
    Favourite Patrick James Walsh
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 12:15 PM

    Maybe if UTV Ireland had scheduled programmes that people actually wanted to watch, if might have succeeded, after all they had access to the entire ITV network, it`s as if they didn`t want to succeed, bizzare, go figure.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Walsh
    Favourite David Walsh
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 12:49 PM

    @Patrick James Walsh: They actually hadn’t access to the entire ITV network though. Both ITV the company and ITV the network had anything to do with UTV Ireland bar licencing some TV shows to them.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Max Johnson Powers
    Favourite Max Johnson Powers
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 5:30 PM

    They had access to content from ITV Studios. That’s how they had the Graham Norton Show.

    7
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Walsh
    Favourite David Walsh
    Report
    Jan 9th 2017, 12:06 AM

    @Max Johnson Powers: No, they had access to show some programmes. That was negotiated between them and the programmes owners.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute cyril.1
    Favourite cyril.1
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 11:46 AM

    Ducking shite station with shite presenters

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Terry Cahill
    Favourite Terry Cahill
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 1:34 PM

    Good riddance to it ! Total failure to deliver ! Also an insult to the deaf community with no subtitles available on prime time shows like Midsummer murders ! Should not even have been allowed to broadcast. Paid no attention to complaints and were virtually uncontactable. And you don’t have to ask the football lovers what they thought of the disappearance of the international soccer matches that they would have seen on the UTV as we had it before. Say nothing about the reappearance of ” The Plank” aka Pat Kenny ! On yer bike … and quick about it ! .

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Irish Cottage Rental
    Favourite Irish Cottage Rental
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 7:39 PM

    One island – two UTVs – was destined to fail. Bring back UTV from Belfast.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason Pigott
    Favourite Jason Pigott
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 4:47 PM

    Sorry to say, but as a viewer utv Ireland was crap, they tried to pull the wool over viewers eyes with so called new shows that we’re constantly repeats even playing Lorraine twice in a day I’m mean seriously just give us back utv and stop all the nonsense

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Buckley
    Favourite Sean Buckley
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 5:01 PM

    All that money wasted.We were happy with UTV in the first place.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Imnotrodten
    Favourite Imnotrodten
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 8:27 AM

    Oh no.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vivion Styles
    Favourite Vivion Styles
    Report
    Jan 9th 2017, 4:37 PM

    Lost foot football and rugby so this UTV can go and f&ck off. I never bothered to even see what was on cause I knew they only show absolute crap. Great tat its gone…

    4
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds