NI weather: Met office records dullest October in a century

NI Weather: Met Office Records Dullest October in a Century

Recent data from the Met Office confirms that Northern Ireland experienced its gloomiest October in over a hundred years. The region saw only 41% of its usual sunshine, equivalent to 34.9 hours of sun throughout the month.

Typically, between October 1st and 31st, Northern Ireland records about 85.1 hours of sunshine. The previous record for the dullest October dates back to 1921.

Rainfall and Regional Patterns

October also brought heavy rainfall, with Northern Ireland receiving 136% of its typical monthly amount, making it significantly wetter than the UK’s average of 99%. County Fermanagh stood out as the wettest area, measuring 162% of its normal rainfall.

Storm Impact and High Winds

Storm Amy struck early in October, bringing strong winds and torrential rain. During the storm, the highest October gust on record for Northern Ireland was measured at Magilligan, County Londonderry, reaching speeds of 148 km/h (92 mph).

Several other weather stations across the region also reported their strongest October gusts, with some records extending nearly fifty years into the past.

"If you thought the month just passed was a little bit greyer than usual, then you would be right," said the Met Office.

Summary

This October combined historic low sunshine levels with exceptional rainfall and strong winds, marking one of the most unsettled months Northern Ireland has seen in a century.

Author’s Summary: October 2025 in Northern Ireland broke century-old records for dullness and rainfall, with minimal sunshine, severe storms, and gusts up to 148 km/h.

BBC — 2025-11-04