The site will be visited and instrumentation checked….that is why at present the value is quoted as provisional.
Killowen in Co Down also record 30.8C (the old record equalled). 31C was forecast by the computer models yesterday in that area. I suspect Co Down was in a ‘sweet spot’ to get maximum benefit from subsidence induced warming over a few days previously.
Not doubting its legitimacy at all, just more find it curious given the broader synoptic set up (which isn't that remarkable)
Just looked at the ICON forecast from 12z yesterday, and while it broadly underperformed regarding maxima, it would have done a better job on distribution and as you say, Co. Down was in a more favourable spot.
And what little wind there was during the afternoon was mostly likely driven by the 850hPa flow, which again, would have favoured the NE of the island more so than the rest (very long land track as you suggested)
On a more personal note, I can't wait to see the back of this heat. Not built for it. Great to see the sunshine after seeing barely any this summer up to now, but 10 degrees cooler by day and by night would be more preferable. And I see the DMI Harmonie is now forecasting 31c for this part of Ireland on Tuesday. Doubt that will happen but it seems things are hottting up a notch with each and every run.
Current Conditions
https://t.ly/MEYqg "You don't have to know anything to have an opinion"
--Roger P, 12/Oct/2022