Armagh Observatory reports that April 2017 was much drier than average, and slightly warmer and much duller. This was the driest April at Armagh for 35 years and the sixth-driest April at Armagh since rainfall records began in 1838. It was also the dullest April at Armagh for 20 years. Following a very dry autumn 2016 and winter 2016/2017, this year has seen the driest 8-month period, September through April, at Armagh for 83 years, and the driest August through April 9-month period for the same time.