Forecast issued at: Saturday 24th October 2026 14:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts were mixed with generally below or near average rainfall across much of the north and northwest, ranging from 72% to 111% of average, while further south and west we had above average rainfall, ranging from 106 to 232% of average. The highest amount of rainfall was measured at Cork Airport with 58.4 mm recorded (190% of average) while Malin Head, Co. Donegal recorded the least amount of rainfall, with 23.6mm recorded (72% of average). Conditions will be mixed over the next week with generally wet and unsettled conditions initially but becoming more settled from midweek. Forecasted rainfall amounts are expected to be above average in the northern half of the country while they will be closer or slightly below average for this time of year elsewhere.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were below average. Coolest in the midlands with the lowest mean air temperature of 7.2 degrees recorded in Claremorris, Co. Mayo and Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Mildest in coastal parts with the highest mean air temperature of 9.8 degrees at Roches Point, Co. Cork and Belmullet, Co. Mayo. This equates to between 2.5 and 1 degrees below average for this time of year. Soil temperatures were near or above average, ranging from 8.9 to 11.8 degrees, which is between 1.6 degrees above average and 0.4 degrees below average. For the coming week, mean air temperatures are forecast to continue close to or 1 degree above average ranging from 10 to 13 degrees. While mean soil temperatures are expected to decrease slightly, they are likely to continue mainly above average for the time of year.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were above average across the country, ranging between 155% to 215% of average. Valentia, Co. Kerry, recorded the least amount of sunshine with 28.8 hours while Belmullet, Co. Mayo recorded the most with 40.2 hours. While unsettled weather conditions are expected over the coming week, there will some sunny spells as well as moper settled conditions from midweek. Sunshine amounts are therefore forecasted to be close to or above average for this time of year.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor over the coming week with rain and showers forecast each day. The best chances are likely to occur on Sunday and Wednesday.
Spraying
There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the coming week with frequent spells of rain, showers and blustery conditions.
Field Conditions
All well drained soils are saturated while most moderately and all poorly drained soils are waterlogged, with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) generally ranging from -10mm to 0mm. With unsettled conditions forecast over the coming week, moderately drained soils will become waterlogged over the weekend, but there will be a slight improvement in moderately drained soils from being waterlogged to becoming saturated towards the end of the coming week. Well and poorly drained soils will generally remained unchanged over the next seven days.
