Phenology

An increase in the duration of the growing season is likely with spring occurring earlier.

Projections indicate the duration of the growing season will continue to increase .

Observed change

• Observations at the Valentia phenological garden, Co. Kerry, indicate that the beginning of the growing season is occurring approximately 10 days earlier now than when compared to the early 1970s. This has led to an extension of the growing season.

Projected change

• Projected changes in temperature are expected to result in a lengthening of the growing with the start of the growing season expected to start 15 and 24 days earlier for the RCP 4.5 (low-medium emissions) and RCP 8.5 (high emissions) scenario, respectively.

Resources

Climate Change: Refining the Impacts for Ireland, Sweeney et al. (pdf): climate observations report

High-resolution Climate Projections for Ireland - A Multi-model ensemble approach 2020, Nolan & Flanagan: climate projections report