Today’s today’s image Featuring a satellite view of Ireland, known by its classical Latin name Hibernia, from the NASA Earth Observatory.
“The name is said to be derived from the Greek description of the land. Ptolemy, the polymath of Alexandria, called the island Joelnia in his cartographic book Geography,” NASA explains. did.
“The Romans may have noticed the similarity between the Greek form of this name and the Latin word hibernus, meaning winter. (Think “hibernation” and “hibernation.”) It may be interpreted as “the land of” or, poetically, “the island of eternal winter.”
winter storm
When this image was taken by NASA’s Aqua satellite on January 19, 2023, clouds were clearing after an arctic air mass brought winter storms to Ireland. Snow can be seen at high altitudes.
“According to the Irish Meteorological Service, snow falls most often in Ireland in January and February, but snowstorms are possible from November to April,” NASA said.
“The white coating tends to be temporary, and many winters pass without major snowstorms. However, more extreme winter weather can occasionally strike.”
For example, in 2010, frigid Arctic air ushered in early winter. In even more distant history, a heavy snowfall in 764 is said to have fallen for three months.
Overall, Ireland has a mild climate thanks to the North Atlantic Drift, which carries warm seawater to higher latitudes.
Learn more about Ireland’s weather
As briefly mentioned above, Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, is famous for its unique climate. It enjoys a warm maritime climate, heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
As a result, winters are mild and summers are cool, with a relatively narrow temperature range compared to other countries at similar latitudes.
seasonal variation
Spring (February to April)
During spring, Ireland gradually warms up. Temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C. This period is characterized by a mix of rain and sunshine, and a marked increase in sunshine hours.
Summer (May to July)
Summers in Ireland are the warmest, with average temperatures around 15°C to 20°C. Rain is intermittent, but the hours of daylight are longest, providing ample opportunity to explore Ireland’s lush landscapes under generally pleasant conditions.
Autumn (August to October)
Autumn is gradually getting cooler. Temperatures will start to drop, ranging from 10°C to 14°C. As the rainfall increases, the famous greenery of the Irish countryside opens up. The days begin to get shorter, heralding the arrival of winter.
Winter (November to January)
Winters are mild compared to other countries at similar latitudes. Temperatures are usually above freezing, averaging around 4°C to 7°C. Snow is rare, but rain and cloudy skies are common, and daylight hours are short.
Regional differences
The coast of Ireland https://www.earth.com/image/clear-skies-over-coastal-ireland/, especially in the west, is calm due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Winters are warmer and summers are cooler than inland areas.
Inland areas of Ireland experience a slightly more extreme situation. Temperatures are slightly higher in summer and lower in winter, with less influence from the sea.
Ireland is famous for its frequent rain, which is important in maintaining its iconic green landscape. The west coast receives the most rainfall, while the east coast, especially around Dublin, is drier.
In summary, Ireland’s climate, with its mild temperatures and frequent rainfall, plays an important role in shaping the country’s natural beauty and cultural identity. This is a key element of why Ireland is known for its vibrant, green countryside and rich agricultural heritage.
Image credit: NASA Earth Observatory
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