Changes in Weather in 2025 & Its Impact on Grass Growth

Why It Matters

Rising temperatures and erratic precipitation threaten Irish pasture yields, prompting urgent adaptation for farm profitability and food security.

Key Takeaways

• 2025 was Ireland's second warmest year on record.
• Spring 2025 experienced record dryness and a marine heatwave.
• Summer 2025 became the warmest on record, driven by dry soils.
• Autumn 2025 was the fourth wettest season, with southern rainfall spikes.
• Attribution studies tie extreme Irish weather events to rising baseline temperatures.

Summary

The Chagaskk signpost podcast examined Ireland’s 2025 climate anomalies and their impact on grass growth, featuring climatologist Paul Moore, researcher Elodie Ruel, and technologist Caitlyn Looney.

2025 ranked as the second‑warmest year, with record‑breaking spring and summer temperatures. Spring endured extensive dry spells, an absolute drought at eleven stations and a brief wet April, while a marine heatwave raised sea surface temperatures. Summer set a new heat record due to dry soils, persistent warm sea temperatures and cloud‑laden nights, despite near‑average rainfall that varied regionally. Autumn shifted to a wet pattern, becoming the fourth wettest on record, especially in the south and east, and posted the 20th warmest autumn.

Moore highlighted the January 24 storm AON, which produced hurricane‑force gusts of 184 km/h at Mace Head. Ruel noted that the dry spring delayed grass regrowth, forcing farmers to adjust sowing schedules. Looney cited data showing a 126 % rainfall excess in Cork during winter versus a 70 % deficit in the west, underscoring spatial disparities.

The findings underscore how climate change amplifies baseline warmth, turning otherwise typical seasons into extremes that strain Irish pasture productivity. Farmers will need to adopt adaptive practices—such as drought‑resilient grass varieties and flexible grazing plans—to mitigate the growing volatility.

Original Description

Paul Moore, Met Éireann & Dr. Elodie Ruelle, Teagasc, joined Cian Condon on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss the changes in weather in 2025 and its impact on grass growth.

A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Caitlin Looney, PastureBase Ireland.

You can watch the webinar at:

https://youtu.be/Nv2sI0SK9K8?si=3It86g02GHgitf62

To register for future webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/

For more podcasts from the Signpost Series:

https://www.teagasc.ie/signpostpodcast/