Forecast issued at: Friday 29th May 2026 13:00
Rain
The last seven days were much drier than average with 20 to 55% of the average amounts recorded in parts of the southeast, south, south-west and midwest, 20% or less elsewhere. Shannon Airport, Co. Clare recorded the most with 8.3mm while both Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin and Dublin Airport recorded 0mm. The coming week will be more unsettled with most areas expected to have above average rainfall, generally ranging between 20 and 60mm or 200 and 360% of the average.
Temperatures
It was much warmer than average over the last seven days. Mean air temperatures ranged between 13.9 degrees at Malin Head, Co. Donegal and 18.1 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. This equates to between 2.1 and 5.4 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures have also been well above normal, ranging between 13.8 and 20.4 degrees which is between 3.2 and 8.0 degrees above normal. The coming week will be much cooler than last week but will still be close to or above average, ranging between 12 and 14 degrees, highest in the east. Mean soil temperatures will remain well above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amount were generally average or above over the last week, ranging between 105% and 201% of normal. It was brightest in the east with 84 hours of sunshine recorded at Dublin Airport. Sunshine amounts were lower in the west with 42.9 hours of sunshine recorded at Belmullet, Co. Mayo. Conditions are forecast to become cloudier over the next week, so it is expected that sunshine amounts will generally be below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be good today (Friday) with dry weather, sunny spells and light to moderate winds. Over the weekend and early next week, drying conditions will be limited with spells of rain and showers.
Spraying
There will be opportunities for spraying today (Friday) with dry conditions and light to moderate winds. Spraying opportunities will be limited over the weekend and early next week due to more frequent rainfall.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soil types range from 12mm in parts of the south to 66mm in the east. More unsettled conditions over the coming seven days will result in a general decrease in SMDs. SMDs in parts of the south-east and east will decrease to between 25 and 50mm. Elsewhere they will decrease to 20mm or less with some southwestern, midwestern and north midlands area becoming saturated.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in may areas from Saturday afternoon 30th May until Tuesday morning 2nd June. There will be good opportunities for spraying Friday 29th May.
