Forecast issued at: Saturday 26th September 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall has been below average across most of the country during the past seven days. It was driest in Munster and Leinster and the lowest accumulation of 2mm was recorded at Roches Point, which is 10% of the average for that location. Rainfall amounts were closer to average in north Ulster and an accumulation of 26.4mm was measured at Malin Head. The weather for the next seven days will be more unsettled than last week with spells of heavy rain at times and rainfall is expected to be above average nationwide.
Temperatures
Air temperatures were near or above normal over the past seven days with mean values of 13.3 to 16.1 degrees Celsius. Soil temperatures are significantly higher than normal and range between 13.8 and 16.9 degrees Celsius. There will be little change in air temperatures this week with mean temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees forecast.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally near or above normal during the past seven days. The sunniest location was Dublin Airport with 36.3 hours of sunshine. It was dullest at Valentia Island with 21.5 hours of sunshine. The weather will be more unsettled this week so sunshine amounts are likely to be near or below average.
Drying Conditions
Several spells of rain are forecast this week - tonight and tomorrow morning, Tuesday and Tuesday night, and Thursday evening and night. In between these rainfall events there wll be drier conditions generally, but also some showers. Therefore, drying conditions will be moderate or poor this week.
Spraying
With rather unsettled weather this week, opportunities for spraying will be quite limited in between spells of rain and showers. The best opportunities will be tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) and Monday.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are greatest in the east. In other areas, soils are saturated or close to saturation and poorly drained soils across the northwest are waterlogged. With unsettled conditions this week, SMDs are forecast to decrease in all areas and for most of the country soils will become saturated or waterlogged. The exception is the northeast, where SMDs of 10 to 20mm are expected by the end of the week.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur in the northwest and west from Saturday night (26th September) until Sunday afternoon (27th September).
