Forecast issued at: Monday 15th July 2024 14:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts were generally average or above in the midlands, east and south with rainfall totals ranging between 90% and 180% of average. It was much drier in the southwest, west and north with rainfall totals between 0% and 50% of normal. The wettest conditions were along the south coast with 27.9mm recorded at Cork Airport. It was considerably drier along western and southwestern coasts with just 0.1mm recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. Rainfall in the coming week is expected to be around average or above across the country. The wettest conditions are expected in southwestern and western coastal counties.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were generally 0.5 to 2 degrees below average over the last week, ranging from 13.1 degrees in the north to 14.6 degrees in the south. Soil temperatures are generally within a degree of the average, ranging between 14.1 degrees in the northwest and 17.1 degrees in the southeast. In the week ahead, mean air temperatures will generally be around average or a degree below, ranging between 13 and 16 degrees. Soil temperatures will remain near normal.
Sunshine
In the past week, sunshine amounts have been slightly below average for most areas, with the exception of southwest coasts. It was brightest in the southwest with 39.4 hours of sunshine recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry (122% of average). The dullest conditions were in the southeast with 23.8 hours of sunshine recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford (64% of average). While there will be some spells of sunshine in the week ahead, there will be showers or rain most days also. As a result, sunshine amounts are likely to be slightly below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be moderate or good on Tuesday away from showers. Drying conditions will deteriorate from Wednesday onwards with spells of rain and often light to moderate winds leading to poor drying.
Spraying
There will be opportunities for spraying on Tuesday and in eastern areas on Wednesday between showers. Otherwise, spraying opportunities will be limited due to spells of rain and showers.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) across all soil types are currently between 17 and 57mm, driest in the east, southwest and west with some restriction to growth. Over the coming week, SMDs will generally decrease to between 10 and 50mm, with the driest conditions still in the east, southwest and west.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
