Forecast issued at: Tuesday 14th April 2026 14:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts have been around twice normal values over western and southwestern parts of the country over the last week ranging 184 to 223% of average. Elsewhere, generally close to or slightly above normal amounts have been recorded (90 to 143% of average), apart from eastern and northeastern coastal areas where it has been drier than normal (43 to 54% of average). It was wettest in the southwest with 50.6mm recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. Considerably drier conditions were recorded in the east with just 5.4mm recorded at Dublin Airport. Over the coming week, it will be generally unsettled with rain or showers each day. Rainfall amounts will generally be between 1 and 2.6 times the average.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week were generally close to average, ranging between 6.3 degrees in the west and 8.9 degrees in the south. This is between 1.5 degrees below average and 0.8 degrees above. Mean soil temperatures ranged between 6.2 and 10.3 degrees which is between normal and 2.3 degrees above average. It will turn milder in the coming week with mean air temperatures increasing to between normal and 1 degree above normal. Mean soil temperatures will remain above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were generally around average. It was dullest in the southwest with 27.7 hours of sunshine recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry (82% of average), while the sunniest conditions were in the southeast with 40.3 hours of sunshine recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford (117% of average). With generally mixed and unsettled conditions in the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to remain close to average as there will be a mix of cloud and sunny spells through the period.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor due to frequent rain and showers.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will be limited. Spells of rain and showers will hinder spraying.
Field Conditions
Most well drained soils are saturated, most moderately drained soil are either saturated or waterlogged while most poorly drained soils are waterlogged. Soils in the east are the expection, all soil types are drier in the east with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) of 2 to 9mm. Over the coming week, with generally unsettled conditions expected, soil conditions are unlikely to improve. All well and moderately drained soils will become saturated or close to it, while most poorly drained soils will remain waterlogged or close to it.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
