Forecast issued at: Monday 27th April 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts for the last 7 days were well below average across the country. All places recorded less than 3mm of rain. The most rainfall was recorded at Claremorris where 2.8mm (16% of average) fell. Over the next 7 days rainfall totals are expected to be below normal in most places with less than 15mm of rain and no more than 50% of normal. However, in parts of the west and south-west, it is likely to turn out wetter than normal with 115% to 200% of normal possible, equating to 20 to 40mm of rain.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures during the past 7 days ranged from 0.2 degrees below average to 2.7 degrees above average. The lowest mean temperature was 8.8 degrees recorded at Dublin Airport, (0.2 degrees below average). The highest temperature was 12.7 degrees recorded at Shannon airport (2.5 degrees above average). For the coming week, mean air temperatures are expected to be around 10 to 12 degrees around the country, which is 1 or 2 degrees above average. Mean soil temperatures were above average across the country during the past week by between 1.7 degrees and 3.6 degrees, and would be expected to remain above average for the coming week.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts during the past week ranged from 63% to 192% of average. The most sunshine was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal where there were 73 hours, or 192% of average. In contrast, only 23.6 hours, or 63% of average, were recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co, Kerry. Sunshine amounts over the coming week are expected to be close to or above normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will good in sunshine over the coming days especially tomorrow and on Wednesday in an easterly airflow. Conditions are likely to disimprove from Thursday onwards as more unsettled conditions develop.
Spraying
There will be plenty of spraying opportunities today and tomorrow, as it looks set to be mostly dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells with light to moderate breezes. Wednesday may prove to be too breezy though, and there is the potential for more unsettled weather from Thursday of next week.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for moderately and well drained soils currently range from 17mm in parts of the midlands to 32mm in parts of the east. SMDs for poorly drained soils range from 10mm in parts of the midlands to 30mm in parts of the east. Over the next week, while there will be little change in eastern and northern areas, deficits will decrease in parts of the west and south-west with some soils becoming saturated.
Further Comments
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
