Forecast issued at: Thursday 21st May 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts amounts were generally above average during the past week, with close to or above twice the seasonal norm falling in parts of the south and west. The most rainfall was recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry where 42mm fell (198% of average). The exception was in parts of the east where there were drier conditions, only 10.2mm (76% of average) was recorded at Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin. With high pressure expected to bring a spell of dry and settled weather from the weekend, rainfall amounts are expected to be significantly below average for most during the coming seven days. Less than around 10mm is forecast for all areas, with close to no rainfall forecast for some parts of the east.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were below average across the country during the past 7 days by up to 1.7 degrees. The lowest such temperature was 9 degrees (1.3 degrees below average) recorded at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo. The highest such temperature was 11.2 degrees (0.5 degrees below average) recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. With a spell of dry and sunny weather on the way, temperatures are expected to rise during the coming days with mean air temperatures for the coming week possibly up to 4 or 5 degrees above average in places, ranging from 13 to 16 degrees. Mean soil temperatures have been up to 1.4 degrees above average during the past 7 days, and would be expected to further increase during the coming 7 days.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were below average across the country during the past 7 days, ranging from just 29% of average (12.6 hours) at Cork Airport, Co. Cork to 78% of average (33.3 hours) at Malid Head Co. Donegal. With a settled period of weather to come with some good sunshine, sunshine amounts would be expected to be average or above for the coming 7 days.
Drying Conditions
While there will be some rain and showers on Thursday and Friday, dry weather is expected from Saturday onwards with temperatures rising too, meaning drying conditions should improve. That said, light winds may limit them to moderate.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities from spraying from the weekend onwards.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for well, moderately and poorly drained soils generally range from around 0mm to 50mm, with the highest deficits in the east. SMDs are expected to increase for all soil types for the coming week, increasing to between 10mm and 66mm, again the highest deficits in the east. Trafficability will increase, but there will also be some restriction to growth.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will become widespread today (Thursday) and continue until until Saturday (23rd May), continuing for southern, southwestern and western coastal counties for Sunday (24th May). Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on www.met.ie -> Forecast -> Blight Forecast.
