Forecast issued at: Saturday 19th September 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts were generally above normal over the past seven days ranging from 102% to 203% of the normal for most. However, rainfall amounts were lower near east and southeast coasts, with amounts between 65% and 93% of the normal. The highest accumulation of 39.5mm was recorded at Claremorris, Co. Mayo. The lowest accumulation of 9.2mm was recorded at Dublin Airport. Over the next seven days, rainfall amounts will be above normal in the west and northwest and close to or below normal elsewhere. The driest conditions will be in the south.
Temperatures
Air temperatures were above normal nationwide over the past week, ranging from 0.6 to 2.8 degrees above average. Mean values ranged between 13.7 degrees at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo and 16.2 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. Soil temperatures are several degrees higher than normal ranging between 2.1 degrees and 3.9 degrees above averagel. Soil temperatures ranged between 14.6 degrees in Malin Head, Co. Donegal and Knock Airport, Co. Mayo and 17.2 degrees at Shannon Aiport, Co. Clare. Temperatures will fluctuate this week due to changeable conditions, but overall they are expected to be near or slightly higher than normal. Soil temperatures are expected to remain above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were generally near or below normal for the time of year. The sunniest location was Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, with 26.7 hours of sunshine (97% of average) while Valentia, Co. Kerry, recorded only 6.7 hours of sunshine hours (25% of average). With mixed and unsettled conditions at times over the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to remain near or below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be generally good or moderate over the weekend with just scattered showers and sunny spells, however they may deteriorate as Sunday goes on due to increasing cloud cover and lighter winds. Monday will have moderate to poor drying conditions with cloudier, more humid conditions along with some mist and drizzle. For the rest of the week, drying conditions will be moderate to poor.
Spraying
There will some opportunities for spraying today (Saturday), in southern areas as it will be dry, but further north it will be breezy with some showers. There will be better opportunities for spraying on Sunday and Monday with minimal rainfall and lighter winds.
Field Conditions
All soils away from the eastern and southeastern coasts are saturated with some moderately and poorly drained soils across the west, northwest and the far southwest waterlogged. Soils are drier near east and southeast coasts with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) between 10 and 39mm. With changeable conditions in the coming week, SMDs are expected to remain much the same.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur from Sunday night 20th September until Wednesday morning 23rd September in parts of the south, west and northwest. There will be opportunities for spraying today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday).
