Forecast issued at: Thursday 13th March 2025 10:00
Rain
Over the last seven days, rainfall was well below average nationwide with less than half the usual rainfall across much of the country. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry recorded the most with 13.7mm (48% of normal). All other stations recorded 10mm or less with Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan recording the least with just 1.3mm (7% of normal). There will be plenty of dry weather for the rest of this week and into early next week with just some showers. Overall, rainfall amounts will be well below normal throughout the country with 25 to 50% of the average expected generally.
Temperatures
Over the past week, temperatures were above average ranging from 7.5 degrees at Dublin Airport to 10.5 degrees at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. This equates to between 1 and 2 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures were also well above normal, ranging from 7.4 to 9.4 degrees which is between 2.7 and 3.5 degrees above the average. Much of the coming week will generally be cool with some frosts at nights, especially Friday night. Mean air temperatures will likely be close to or a degree below normal for the time of year. Mean soil temperatures may decrease slightly but will continue to be well above normal.
Sunshine
The past week was sunnier than normal for much of the country. However, it was a bit duller than usual near southern. Cork Airport recorded the least with 21.7 hours (98% of the average) while Dublin Airport recorded the most with 40.1 hours (171% of the average). There will be a mix of cloud and sunny spells over the coming days with sunshine amounts likely to be close to or above normal throughout the country.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be moderate over the coming week as there will be plenty of dry weather but temperatures will be on the cool side and winds will generally be light or moderate.
Spraying
There will be some good opportunities for spraying over the coming days away from any showers.
Field Conditions
Most soils have soil moisture deficits (SMDs) of 4 to 12mm. Over the next seven days, there will be some improvements in soil conditions with plenty of dry weather expected. Moderately and well drained soils will likely have SMDs of 7 to 15mm with light and medium soils becoming trafficable.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
