Forecast issued at: Thursday 27th August 2026 14:00
Rain
Over the last week rainfall amounts have been below average across the country, ranging between 19 to 89% of average for the time of year. The regions were in the northwest and east. Knock Airport, Co Mayo had the highest accumulation of rainfall, 15.1mm or 61% of average. It was driest in the north and southwest. Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry has the least amount of rainfall with 5.2mm or 19% of average. This coming week the weather is expected to become unsettled with heavy and persistent spells of rain or showers. Rainfall amounts are expected to reach average or twice that, with the highest accumulations forecast in the south and west. Further north will remain drier but rainfall will still reach the average if not slightly above.
Temperatures
Air temperatures over the past seven days were near or below normal, ranging between 13.5 and 15.7 degrees. It was milfest in the south with 15.6 degrees recorded at Roches Point, Co Cork. It was cooler further north with 13.5 degrees recorded at Ballyhaise, Co Cavan. Soil temperatures are mostly above average, with values ranging between 0.9 and 2.9 degrees above normal, or 15 and 18.2 degrees. Soil temperatures are expected to remain similar.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were close to or above normal. It was sunniest in the south and southwest, with 45.6 hours of sunshine recorded at Cork Airport (130% of average). The least sunshine was recorded in the northeast, with 28.7 hours at Casement Aerodrome. With unsettled weather forecast for the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to be lower than normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be moderate to poor over the next week with frequent showers or longer spells of rain.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will be moderate to poor over the next week with frequent showers or longer spells of rain. It will also become breezier from Sunday onwards.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) in the south and east are between 40 and 85mm, while some soils in the far northwest are close to saturation. Apart from the far northwest, most soils are experiencing restrictions to growth. With above average precipitation expected over the coming week, SMDs will generally decrease by 20 to 40mm in the south and east, with the chance that some soils in the north and northwest will become waterlogged or close to it.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many areas from Wednesday morning 26th August to Sunday evening 30th August. There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the coming week.
