Latest Farming Commentary

Forecast issued at: Friday 29th March 2024 12:00

Rain

Over the past week, nearly all regions of Ireland received higher rainfall totals than average for the time of year. Rainfall amounts ranged from 11.5mm at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin (99% of average) to 72mm at Valentia in Kerry (273% of average). The week ahead will be unsettled with frequent showers and outbreaks of rain, some of the showers over the next few days will be of hail. It will be wetter than average across the bulk of the country with 15-35mm expected widely with 40 to 60mm likely in some southern areas.

Temperatures

Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were below average across the country. Mean air temperatures ranged from 5.6 degrees at Knock Airport (0.6 degrees below average) to 7.3 degrees at Roches Point, Co. Cork (0.9 degrees below average). Both Valentia Observatory in Co. Kerry and Shannon Airport in Co. Clare had the largest deviation from the mean with mean temperatures of 7.5 degrees and 7.3 degrees recorded (1.0 degree below average). Mean soil temperatures over the past week were above average across the country, ranging from 6.8 degrees in the northwest to 9.2 degrees in the east, which is between 1 and 3 degrees above average. Mean air temperatures will be near average over the coming week with the chance of some frost tonight. Soil temperatures will decrease somewhat, but will still be slightly above average.

Sunshine

Sunshine over the last week was close to or above average in most areas, but below average sunshine was recorded in the North. The dullest conditions were recorded at Malin Head in Co. Donegal with 18.7 hours of sunshine which equates to 84% of average. It was sunniest in the southeast with 35.2 hours of sunshine recorded at Johnstown Castle in Co. Wexford, which corresponds to 128% of average. With mixed conditions expected over the coming week, sunshine amounts will likely be around average.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions will be generally moderate or poor this week as any dry spells will be short lived.

Spraying

Opportunities for spraying will be limited this week due to breezy and wet conditions.

Field Conditions

Most soils are currently saturated and poorly drained soils are waterlogged. Further showers or rain are expected over the coming week, as a result soils are likely to deteriorate slightly over the coming week.

Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.

Agricultural Data Graphs

Soil Moisture Deficits

Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) in (mm) are calculated for three classes of soil: well drained, moderately drained and poorly drained. For further information on how Soil Moisture Deficits are calculated, click here.