Forecast issued at: Friday 03rd May 2024 14:00
Rain
Rainfall this last week has been variable with drier than average to average rainfall across parts of the east, north and in eastern parts of Connacht. However, rainfall was above average elsewhere. The driest conditions were recorded at Dublin Airport where 11.2mm was recorded. It was wettest in the southeast with 48.4mm recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. While there'll still be some rain or showers in the short term, especially in the east and north, drier and more settled weather will develop next week. Rainfall totals are expected to be well below average for most, with totals of just between 1 and 5 mm, for many parts of the south and west, equating to between 6 and 30% of average. Rainfall totals will range from between 6 and 11mm for the midlands, east and north, equating to between 40 and 90% of average.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures this past week have been up to 2 degrees Celsius below average across the country, ranging from 8.3 degrees C. in the east to 9.6 degrees C. in the west. Mean soil temperatures have however generally been 1 to 2 degrees above average, but in parts of the southeast mean soil temperatures were around average to a little below. Mean soil temperatures are ranging between 9.7 degrees and 12 degrees at the moment. Temperatures will gradually increase over the next seven days, with mean air temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees Celsius expected, which is generally 1 or 2 degrees above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts have been around average to a little above in many areas over the past seven days, although it was duller than average in the southwest, south and southeast. Sunshine amounts varied from 63% to 86% of average in the duller areas to between 100 and 119% of average elsewhere. It was sunniest in Belmullet, Co. Mayo, with 46.7 hours of sunshine recorded.The dullest conditions were recorded in the southeast with 25 hours of sunshine recorded at Johnstown Castle. Sunshine totals over the next 7 days will likely trend above average generally with pleasant sunny weather expected at times, especially from Sunday onwards.
Drying Conditions
Showers or rain in the short term will lead to some poor drying conditions at first. Drying conditions will improve through the weekend and will improve a lot next week.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited in the short term. There will be good opportunities for spraying away from Sunday onwards.
Field Conditions
Currently most well drained soils and most moderately drained soils have good trafficability, although some moderately and well drained soils in the midlands and south are saturated. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) vary for poorly drained soils from -10 to +12mm, wettest in the south and south midlands. Soil conditions will improve everywhere in the coming week, with settled weather on the way.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. For any early sown crops: From later Friday 3rd May until Monday 6th May, weather conditions conductive to the spread of potato blight will affect parts of the north, north midlands and east. Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
