Madam, - The articles by Aine Kerr and Brendan McWilliams (July 19th) have highlighted the exceptional nature of the recent spell of hot weather.
The former concludes that, despite the high temperatures recorded around the country on July 18th, "the June 1976 record of 31.6 degrees was not equalled or superceded". However, the weather station operated by the Lough Derg Science Group located (near the eastern shore of Lough Derg at Portroe, Co Tipperary) recorded an air temperature of 31.7 degrees (shaded and 1m above ground) at 18.30hrs on the same day. Of course, this does not dispute Aine Kerr's conclusion. Had the LDSG station been in existence in 1976 it might have recorded an even higher temperature than 31.6 degrees! And we can never be sure that measurements at different sites are directly comparable. Nonetheless, perhaps we have a new record? Anyone interested in seeing LDSG's climate data summary is welcome to contact us at dergscience@yahoo.ie. - Yours, etc.,
RICK BOELENS, Chairman, Lough Derg Science Group, Portroe, Co Tipperary