Forecast issued at: Tuesday 11th August 2026 15:00
Rain
Over the past seven days, rainfall amounts have been below normal for much of the country, especially in the south and east, with between 0.5 and 13.5mm recorded (70% or less of the average), lowest at Oak Park, Co. Carlow. However, parts of the west and north recorded close to or above normal amounts with between 19 and 32.6mm recorded (89 to 153% of normal), highest at Malin Head, Co. Donegal. Over the coming days, there will be some outbreaks of rain or showers at times with 10 to 15mm expected for many but lower in parts of the southeast and higher for Atlantic coastal counties.
Temperatures
Over the past week, mean air temperatures ranged between 14.0 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo to 17.4 degrees at Oak Park, Co. Carlow which is around average in the west and up to 1.1 degrees above average in the east. Mean soil temperatures ranged between 15.5 and 19.6 degrees (0.6 to 3.4 degrees above normal). Temperatures will increase for midweek before decreasing through Friday and the weekend. Overall, mean air temperatures will generally range between 15 and 18 degrees which is 1 or 2 degrees warmer than average. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were generally above average in the south, ranging between 133 and 187% of normal. However, it was duller in parts of the north and west with 74 to 93% of normal. Malin Head, Co. Donegal, recorded the least with just 22.7 hours, while Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford with 63.7 hours. Over the coming week, it will generally be cloudier than normal with the best of the sunny spells in the east and southeast.
Drying Conditions
Over the coming days, while temperatures will increase, it will be humid with showery outbreaks of rain developing which will limit drying conditions, and light to moderate winds. The best opportunity will be in the southeast and east on Wednesday and Thursday.
Spraying
There will be opportunities for spraying over the coming days, especially today (Tuesday) away from Atlantic areas and on Wednesday and Thursday in parts of the south and east. There will likely be further opportunities later in the week.
Field Conditions
Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) are mostly ranging between 20 and 85mm, driest in south and east Leinster. However, some soils in the northwest are saturated, while soils in the southeast are in near-drought or drought conditions. Over the coming week, SMDs will not change significantly.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur from today (Tuesday 11th August) to Friday morning (14th August) for southern and Atlantic coastal counties.
