Forecast issued at: Thursday 14th May 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts were below average across the country over the past 7 days (rainfall amounts average between 0 and 87% of seasonal average). While there was more rainfall in parts of the south-west, west and north, accumulations were still below average (less than 87%). No rainfall was recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork, while only trace amounts (0.4mm) were recorded in Johnstown Castle, Co.Wexford. The highest amount of rainfall was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal with 13.9mm recorded. With more unsettled conditions forecast for the coming week, rainfall amounts are expected to significantly increase and will be above average across the country, with between 20mm and 50mm expected to fall. This is between one and a half and two and half times seasonal norms for most areas.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were below average across the country during the past week, ranging between 0 and 1.3 degrees belwo average. The lowest such temperature was 9.0 degrees recorded at Claremorris, Co. Mayo(1.3 degrees below average). The highest temperature was 10.9 degrees (0.2 degrees below average) recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork. In contrast, mean soil temperatures were above average during the past week by up to 3.0 degrees, ranging from 10.2 degrees to 14.1 degrees. Mean air temperatures are expected to be within a degree plus or minus of average for the coming week, which equates to 10 to 12 degrees across the country.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally average or slightly above during the past week. The least amount of sunshine was recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry with 42.2 hours, or 104%, of average. The most sunshine was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal were 62.3 hours, or 149% of average, were recorded. With more changeable conditions forecast for the coming week, including sunny spells, showers, rain and variable cloud amounts, sunshine amounts would be expected to be close to average.
Drying Conditions
With scattered showers or more persistent spells of rain forecast, drying conditions will be limited. However, moderate to fresh northerly breezes mean there will be drying opportunies between the showers. However, the best drying conditions are likely to be on Friday which will be a drier day, before the weather becomes more unsettled again over the weekend.
Spraying
With rain, showers, and breezy conditions all in the forecast for the week ahead, opportunities for spraying are likely to be limited. The best opportunities are likely to be on Friday which will be a mostly dry day, although moderate northwesterly winds may still limit opportunities.
Field Conditions
In general, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soil types range from around 15mm to 55mm, with the largest deficits in the east and the smallest in parts of the south. Thus, most soils are trafficable. There is also some restriction to growth. With unsettled conditions forecast for the week ahead and above average rainfall expected across the country, SMDs would be expected to decrease during the coming 7 days.
