Ireland has experienced its warmest January in years, according to Irish weather providers Met Éireann.

Average temperatures were above normal across the country last month.

The southwest has its warmest January since 2002, while the west and midlands recorded the highest temperatures since 2007.

The month’s highest air temperature of 13.1°C recorded at Shannon Airport on January 3.

Minimum air temperatures were also above normal for the time of year.

Sherkin Island in west Cork recorded a January minimum temperature of 2.5°C - the warmest at the site in 22 years.

Rainfall was above average almost everywhere, except for in the south. Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford recorded its driest January since 2007.