Forecast issued at: Wednesday 14th January 2026 12:00
Rain
Over the past seven days, rainfall amounts for much of the country varied, ranging from 60% to 160% of average for this time of year. Parts of the midlands and north saw the least amount of rain with Oak Park, Co. Carlow recording the least at 11.7 mm (64% of its average). Amounts were above average in southern and western areas, with Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recording the most rainfall at 65.1 mm (167% of its average). With mixed conditions over the coming week, rainfall amounts will likely be below average for much of the country, especially in the north. However, some southern or western areas will likely see above average rainfall amounts.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures across the country were within a degree above or below average over the last seven days, ranging from 4.1 degrees at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan (1 degree below average) to 8.1 degrees at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry (0.7 degrees above normal). Mean soil temperatures ranged from 3.5 to 6.7 degrees which is between 0.2 degrees below average and 0.9 degrees above. Over the coming week, mean air temperatures will fluctuate, from below average on some days to above average on others
but overall will likely be close to average. Mean soil temperatures will remain similar.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally above average for this time of year, with the exception of parts of the west which saw below average amounts of sunshine. Belmullet, Co. Mayo, recorded the least with just 4.7 hours (49% of average) while Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, recorded the most with 18.7 hours (153% of average). Over the coming week, our weather will be mixed but overall, sunshine amounts will likely be close to average for most.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be moderate or poor over the coming week.
Spraying
There will be spraying opportunities from Thursday through to Sunday away from showers and patches of light rain.
Field Conditions
Currently, all soils are at least saturated with most poorly drained soils waterlogged. There will be some further deterioration in soils due to rain today (Wednesday) with a slight improvement in conditions expected throughout the coming week, though in general, most soils will stay saturated at least.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
