Forecast issued at: Saturday 02nd May 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts for the last seven days were well below average for most areas with rainfall amounts generally ranging between 0mm and 12.6mm (0% to 73% of average). However, southern areas were wetter with rainfall amounts of 14.7mm to 26.9mm (101% to 193% of average). This was largely due to rainfall that occurred on Thursday. Conditions will turn more mixed over the coming seven days with spells of rain and heavy showers at times. Rainfall amounts will increase as a result, though will remain below average across much of the country. Accumulations will be between 0.5 and 1.2 times normal.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week have been above average across the country, ranging from 10.9 degrees in the east to 12.6 degrees in the west which is between 1.4 and 3.2 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures are well above normal, between 10.7 and 13.9 degrees. This is 2.6 to 4.4 degrees above normal. It will turn cooler over the coming week with temperatures falling to between 1 and 3 degrees below average. Soil temperatures will decrease but remain above normal.
Sunshine
It was brighter than average across the country over the past week. Sunshine amounts ranged from 40.3 hours in the south to 56.6 hours in the north, which is 101% to 145% 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 a slight improvement in drying conditions from Monday onwards as rainfall becomes lighter.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited this weekend due to widespread heavy showers. Rainfall amounts will be minimal early next week with generally light winds so there will be some opportunities for spraying then.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soils generally range between 5 and 38mm, driest near east and northeast coasts. However, soils are saturated near southern coasts with SMDs of 0 to -5mm. There will be little change in soil conditions over the coming week, with with just a slight decrease in SMDs for most areas.
