Forecast issued at: Sunday 27th September 2026 12:30
Rain
Rainfall has been below average across the country during the past seven days, ranging between 9% and 89% of average. It was driest in the east and south with 1.6mm recorded at Oak Park, Co. Carlow. The wettest conditions were in the northwest with 24.6mm recorded at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo. The coming week will be more unsettled with spells of heavy rain at times. As a result, it will be wetter than average across Munster, south Leinster and the south midlands. However, rainfall in other areas will be close to or slightly below average with the driest conditions expected in north Ulster.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were above normal over the past seven days, ranging from 13.4 to 16.2 degrees, which is 1.1 to 3 degrees above average. Soil temperatures are significantly higher than normal and range between 13.8 and 16.9 degrees, which is 2 to 4.5 degrees above normal. Mean temperatures will decrease slightly in the coming week but will remain between normal and 2 degrees above. Soil temperatures will remain well above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally near or above normal during the past seven days, though were lower than average in parts of the south and southwest. It was brightest in the east with 41 hours of sunshine recorded at Casement Aerodrome (150% of average). It was dullest in the southwest with 18.1 hours of sunshine recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. The weather will be more unsettled this week so sunshine amounts are likely to be below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will often be moderate or poor in the coming seven days due to spells of rain and showers. However, there will be good drying conditions between isolated showers on Monday.
Spraying
There will be opportunities for spraying on Monday. Otherwise, with rather unsettled weather this week, opportunities for spraying will be quite limited due to spells of rain, showers and often breezy or windy conditions.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are greatest in the east and south, ranging between 20 and 43mm. In other areas, soils are saturated or close to saturation while poorly drained soils across the northwest are waterlogged. With unsettled conditions this week, SMDs are forecast to decrease in all areas. Most soils will be saturated with many moderately and poorly drained soils becoming waterlogged. The exception will be the northeast, where SMDs of 5 to 15mm are expected by the end of the week.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur in many areas from Tuesday night (29th September) until Wednesday afternoon (30th September). There will be opportunities for spraying on Monday (28th September).
