Forecast issued at: Tuesday 29th September 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall has been above average in the eastern half of the country during the past seven days, ranging between 115% and 227% of average but generally near or below average in the western half of the country, raging between 30% and 119%. It was driest in the southwest with 9.5mm recorded at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. The wettest conditions were in the southeast with 40.3mm recorded at Oak Park, Co. Carlow. The coming week will be more unsettled with spells of heavy rain at times. As a result, it will be wetter than average across Munster and in the west. However, rainfall in other areas will be close to or slightly below average with the driest conditions expected in the midlands.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were above normal over the past seven days, ranging from 13.6, recorded in Claremorris, Co. Mayo and 15 degrees recorded in Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. Temperatures were generally between 1 and 2 degrees above average. Soil temperatures are significantly higher than normal and range between 13.9 and 16.3 degrees, recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal and Shannon Airport, Co. Clare repectively, which is 2 to 4 degrees above normal. Mean temperatures will decrease slightly in the coming week but will remain between normal and 2 degrees above. Soil temperatures will remain well above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally near or above normal during the past seven days, raging between 110% and 144% of average. It was brightest at Belmullet with 36 hours of sunshine (144% of average). It was dullest at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry with 26.9 hours of sunshine recorded (110% of average). The weather will be more unsettled this week so sunshine amounts are likely to be below average.
Drying Conditions
There will be moderate to poor drying conditions over the coming days due to spells of rain and showers.
Spraying
With rather unsettled weather this week, opportunities for spraying will be quite limited due to spells of rain, showers and often breezy or windy conditions.
Field Conditions
Soils are saturated or close to saturation while moderately and poorly drained soils across the northwest, midlands, south and southeast are waterlogged. However, SMDs on eastern fringes are higher, ranging between 7mm and 13mm. With unsettled conditions this week, SMDs are forecast to decrease in poorly drained soils with much of the country away from eastern fringes becoming waterlogged. Well and moderately drained soils across the country will become saturated or near saturated.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur in many areas from Tuesday evening (29th September) until Wednesday afternoon (30th September).
