Forecast issued at: Saturday 25th April 2026 14:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts for the last 7 days were below average across the country. The least rainfall was recorded at at Valentia in Co. Kerry where just 0.3mm (1% of average) fell. The most rainfall was recorded at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan where 3.3mm (21% of average) fell. With high pressure expected to dominate our weather for the coming week, rainfall amounts are expected to be significantly below average across the country. However, current indications suggest that there is the chance of some rain or showers developing from Thursday.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures during the past 7 days ranged from 0.9 degrees below average to 1.7 degrees above average. The lowest mean temperature was 7.9 degrees recorded at Dublin Airport, (0.9 degrees below average). The highest temperature was 11.5 degrees recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry (1.7 degrees above average). With plenty of sunshine forecast for the coming week, mean air temperatures are expected to be around 11 or 12 degrees around the country, which is 2 or 3 degrees above average. Mean soil temperatures were above average across the country during the past week by between 1.6 degrees and 2.9 degrees, and would be expected to remain above average for the coming week.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts during the past week ranged from 92% to 214% of average. The most sunshine was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal where there were 80.2 hours, or 214% of average. In contrast, 34.1 hours, or 92% of average, were recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co, Kerry. With plenty of sunshine forecast for the coming week, sunshine amounts would be expected to be above average across the country.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be good for the coming days with mostly dry conditions, relatively warm temperatures and moderate breezes.
Spraying
There will be plenty of spraying opportunities over the coming days. Is looks set to be mostly dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells with light to moderate breezes. There is the potential for more unsettled weather from Thursday of next week.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for moderately and well drained soils currently range from 13mm in parts of the midlands to 28mm in parts of the east. SMDs for poorly drained soils range from 6mm in parts of the midlands to 26mm in parts of the east. With mostly dry conditions forecast for the coming week, SMDs are expected to significantly increase, leading to an increase in trafficability, for all soil types across the country, ranging from around 15mm up to 35mm in parts of the east.
Further Comments
A condition orange high fire risk has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine until 12pm on 27th of April. Arising from current and forecast weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
