Forecast issued at: Friday 11th September 2026 15:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past seven days varied across the country with below normal amounts in most parts, while rainfall amounts were close to or slightly above average in parts fo the west and southwest. Shannon Airport, Co. Clare recorded the least with 8.2mm or 46% of its average while Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry recorded the most with 39.3mm or 139% of its average. The weather over the coming days will be changeable with spells of rain or showers, heavy at times, interspaced with drier periods. Overall, rainfall amounts will be above average for most, especially in the southwest with up to 280% of its average currently expected. It will be driest in parts of the midlands and east with slightly below normal amounts expected.
Temperatures
Air temperatures over the past week were above normal, ranging between 13.3 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo and 15.6 degrees at both Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. This equates to between 0.4 and 1.7 degrees above normal with Dublin Airport recorded that largest difference from its average. Mean soil temperatures were also above normal, with values of 14.8 to 16.8 degrees which is between 1.6 and 2.8 degrees above normal. With the changeable conditions over the coming week, temperatures will fluctuate but overall, mean air temperatures of 1 or 2 degrees above normal are expected and mean soil temperatures will continue above normal too.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were below normal across the country over the past week, especially along southern and western coastal counties, with between 38 and 92% of their average recorded. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry was the dullest station with just 10.6 hours of sunshine while Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin recorded the most with 27.7 hours. With changeable weather over the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to be below normal generally.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will often be moderate or poor this week due to spells of rain or showers and with lighter winds during drier periods. The best opportunities will be today and Sunday away from any showers.
Spraying
There will be limited opportunities for spraying this week as there will be spells of rain, showers and breezy conditions at times. The best opportunities will be today and Sunday away from any showers.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) generally range from saturated or waterlogged conditions in the northwest where they range from between 0 to -10mm, to there being restricition to growth in parts of the east where SMDs are as high as 35 to 40mm. With above average rainfall over the coming weeks, SMDs will decrease across the country with soils in the northwest, southwest and parts of the midlands becoming saturated or waterlogged. Soils in parts of the east will see the smallest changes, SMDs elsewhere will generally range between 5 and 20mm.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur from Saturday afternoon (12th September) until Tuesday afternoon (15th Septmeber).
