So many paddler folk I've spoken to recently have been saying that this is the worst year for paddling they remember. I thought I'd have a look at Met Eireann's records to see what's been going on. Here is what they said for the past 3 years about Shannon airport records and in general for the country. Lots more info on their website, http://www.met.ie/climate/monthly-summary.asp
Shannon Airport
2008 = 138% (% normal rainfall from 1961-1990 data), And the country in general, "Wetter than normal everywhere, wettest on record at Shannon.."
2009 = 126%, "Wetter than normal everywhere, mild and sunny..."
2010 = 91%, "Colder drier and much sunnier than normal..."
Winter 2011 = 92%
Spring 2011 = 91%
So from this you can see that 08 and 09 were much wetter than normal, and that 2010 and this year to date have been much drier than normal. I hope this isn't the start of a #trend...?