Forecast issued at: Saturday 17th October 2026 12:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts were well above average in parts of the west, ranging between 96% and 205% of average, while the rest of the country had close to or below average rainfall amounts, ranging from 46% to 96% of average with the lowest averages in the south and southeast. The highest accumulation of rainfall was recorded at Claremorris, Co. Mayo, with 60.7mm (205% of its average). The least amount of rain was recorded at Oak Park, Co. Carlow, with 9.4mm of rain (46% of its average). Rainfall amounts over the coming seven days will be well above average nationwide with 2 to 4.5 times the percentage average of rainfall expected.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were slightly above average by between 0.9 and 1.9 degrees, with values ranging from 11.4 degrees, recorded at Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to 13.4 degrees, recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. Soil temperatures were also above average, ranging from 11.6 to 14.4 degrees, which is between 1.7 and 3.8 degrees above average. Looking at the next seven days, air temperatures will be close to or below average, ranging from 7 to 12 degrees which is between 2 degrees below average. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average but may start trending downwards.
Sunshine
Sunshine over the past week were generally close to or slightly above average across the country, ranging between 89% to 148%. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recorded the least amount of sunshine with 17.1 hours (89% of average), while Dublin Airport recorded the most with 35.4 hours (148% of average). High pressure will dominate our weather for much of the weekend and into early Tuesday. From Wednesday onwards the weather regime is expected to turn unsettled with spells of heavy rain forecast. It is likely that sunshine amounts will average or below as a result.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be good over the next few days. The best opportunities for drying will be today (Saturday) and Sunday with sunny spells expected. Monday will also have drying opportunities away from some isolated showers coming in from the east and southeast and patches of drizzle in northwestern coastal parts.
Spraying
Opportunities for spraying will generally be good for the coming days. The best opportunity for spraying will Saturday and Sunday which is expected to stay dry with just light variable breezes. There will also be spraying opportunities on Monday away from isolated showers in drifting in from the east with generally light to moderate breezes.
Field Conditions
Most well and moderately drained soils are saturated while poorly drained soils nationwide are waterlogged, with Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) generally ranging from -10mm to 0mm. Although it is expected to be dry until Monday, and possibly the earlier half of Tuesday. More unsettled conditions are expected from Wednesday bringing spells of rain and showers. SMDs will generally remain saturated in well drained soils and become waterlogged or close to waterlogged nationwide in moderately drained soils. Poorly drained soils will also remain waterlogged.
