Forecast issued at: Tuesday 15th September 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts for the last seven days were close to or above average for much of the country, while parts of the east saw below average accumulations. Claremorris, Co. Mayo, recorded the most rainfall with 38.5mm (169% of its average), while Dublin Airport recorded the least, with 6.6mm (46% of its average). The weather over the coming week will be changeable with spells of rain or showers, heavy at times, as well as some dry periods. Atlantic coastal areas will see above average or close to average amounts of rainfall, while the rest of the country will see below average amounts (less than 15mm), especially the south and east.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week were above average nationwide by between 0.6 and 2.6 degrees, ranging from 13.5 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo (1.2 above average), and 16.3 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare (1.8 degrees above average). Mean soil temperatures were also above average by between 1.9 and 3.4 degrees, ranging from 14.6 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo to 17.2 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. With cooler conditions forecast for the coming week mean air temperatures in most areas are expected to fall back to average, or a degree above, ranging between 14 to 16 degrees. Mean soil temperatures are expected to stay at or above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were close to or below average for much of the country, with the exception of parts of the east which saw above average amounts. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, saw the dullest conditions with just 15.6 hours of sunshine (57% of its average) while Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin, recorded the most sunshine with 36 hours (122% of its average). With changeable weather over the coming week, including some sunny spells interspersed with cloudier conditions, variable sunshine amounts are expected.
Drying Conditions
While showers are forecast for Tuesday and Thursday, breezy conditions mean that the best drying conditions are likely to occur on these days, away from the showers. While Wednesday will be a drier day, winds will also be light, limiting drying. In general, drying conditions will be moderate to poor for the week.
Spraying
There will be limited opportunities for spraying this week as there will be spells of rain, showers and breezy conditions at times. The best opportunities will be on Wednesday, as it will be a drier day with only light to moderate winds.
Field Conditions
Soils in the west and north are saturated or waterlogged with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging between 0 and -10mm. Most soils are trafficable elsewhere with some restriction to growth in soils in the east as SMDs there are between 30mm and 37mm. With mixed conditions over the coming week, including showers and rain, as well as drier spells, there is not expected to be a significant change in SMDs countrywide.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur until Tuesday afternoon (15th September).
