Forecast issued at: Thursday 30th April 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts for the last seven days were well below average across the country with less than 3mm recorded at all stations (between 0% and 17% of normal). It will be more unsettled over the coming seven days with spells of rain and heavy showers at times. Rainfall amounts will increase as a result, with accumulations for many areas ranging between 100% and 205% of average. However, accumulations will be below normal near south and northwest coasts, with accumulations in these regions below 80% of normal.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week have been above average across the country, ranging from 9.6 degrees in the east to 13.4 degrees in the west which is between 0.3 and 3.8 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures are well above normal, between 10.2 and 13.8 degrees. This is 2.3 to 4 degrees above normal. It will turn cooler over the coming week with temperatures falling to around average or 1 degree below. Soil temperatures will remain above normal.
Sunshine
It was brighter than average across the country over the past week. Sunshine amounts ranged from 37.2 and 68.7 hours, which is 125% to 178% of average. It will be duller over the coming week with more unsettled conditions developing. Sunshine amounts will be below normal as a result.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will deteriorate over the coming days with more frequent rainfall, cooler temperatures and often slack winds. There will be an improvement in drying conditions from Tuesday onwards as rainfall becomes lighter.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will be limited over the coming week with more frequent rainfall.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soils range between 15 and 35mm, driest near east and southwest coasts. There will be little change in soil conditions over the coming week, with potential for an increase in SMDs in some areas from Tuesday onwards.
