Forecast issued at: Tuesday 08th September 2026 14:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts were above normal almost everywhere over the past seven days. The highest accumulation of 54.9mm was recorded at Valentia. The least amount of rain fell at the Mullingar station, with an accumulation of 16.4mm (88% of average). There will be changeable weather during the next seven days, with spells of rain or showers interspersed with drier periods. Highest amounts of rain are forecast in the north and west (up to 2.5 times the norm) but amounts are expected to be below average in the south and east.
Temperatures
Air temperatures over the past week were above normal, ranging between 14.4 and 16.9 degrees. It was coolest in the northwest and warmest in the east. Soil temperatures were above normal, with values of 15.4 to 17.5 degrees. It will be slightly cooler this week, with mean air temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees forecast, which is near or slightly above the average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were below normal across the country over the past week. It was dullest at Valentia, where there were only 3.2 hours of sunshine. The highest amount of sunshine, 17.8 hours, was recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. With changeable weather this week, sunshine amounts are likely to be near or below normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be moderate or poor this week due to spells of rain or showers.
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 and Friday.
Field Conditions
Most medium soils are trafficable but there is still some restriction to growth with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) between 15 and 35mm generally. Moderately drained and poorly drained soils in parts of the west and northwest are saturated. Over the next week, SMDs will decrease in all areas. Soils in the northwest, west, midlands and southwest will become saturated or waterlogged.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur on Wednesday night (9th September) and Thursday (10th September). There will be good opportunities for spraying tomorrow, Wednesday 9th September.
