Forecast issued at: Friday 15th May 2026 14:00
Rain
Over the past 7 days rainfall amount have below average across the country. On average amounts ranged between 1 to 83% of norm. The highest accumulation was recorded in Claremorris, Co. Mayo with 14.4 mm. The lowest accumulation were recorded in the south with only 0.2mm at Roches Point, Co. Cork. 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 three and half times seasonal norms for most areas.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were below average across the country during the past week, ranging between 0.4 to 1.6 degrees below average. The lowest such temperature was recorded at Claremorris, Co. Mayo with 8.9 degrees. The highest temperature of 10.8 degrees, 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 10.0 degrees to 14.0 degrees. Mean air temperatures are expected to be within a degree plus or minus of average for the coming week, which equates to an average range of 11 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 41.6 hours, or 102%, of average. The most sunshine was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal were 66.9 hours, or 160% 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. Moderate to fresh northerly breezes mean there will be drying opportunies between the showers. However, the best drying conditions are likely to be today, 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 today, Friday, 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.
