Forecast issued at: Saturday 11th July 2026 14:00
Rain
It has been much drier than average over the last week with rainfall amounts between 0 and 5.6mm, which is between 0% and 32% of average. The highest rainfall was recorded in Malin Head, Co. Donegal while 0mm was recorded in many parts of the south and east. Rainfall amounts will remain below average across the country over the coming week with many areas seeing little to no rainfall. However, there is the chance of heavy showers or thundery downpours from Wednesday onwards, which would lead to locally higher rainfall amounts.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were above normal over the past week, ranging between 15.2 degrees in the north to 20.1 degrees in the east and southeast. This is between 0.7 and 4.6 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures were also above normal throughout the country by between 1.1 and 7.7 degrees, ranging between 16 and 23 degrees. The coming week will be much warmer than average with mean temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees, which is 1 to 5 degrees above normal. Soil temperatures will increase further.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were above normal for much of the south and east with sunshine amounts between 112% and 223% of average. It was brightest in the south with 86 hours of sunshine recorded at Cork Airport. In contrast, it was duller than average across the west and northwest with sunshine amounts below 20% of average. Just 4 hours of sunshine were recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal (12% of normal). While there will be some cloud in the northwest at first in the coming days, sunshine will generally become more widespread over the weekend. Sunshine amounts will be well above normal for most parts of the country as a result.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be good or very good over the coming days due to settled and very warm conditions. From Wednesday, there is the small chance of a few heavy showers or thunderstorms, which will bring poor drying conditions to some areas if they occur.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities for spraying over the coming days with dry conditions and moderate winds. However, it will be very warm so the window for spraying may be limited to the cooler hours of the morning and late evening.
Field Conditions
All soils are trafficable at present with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging from 7mm in the northwest to 70mm in the southeast. There is restriction to growth in many parts of Leinster and Munster. SMDs will increase nationwide over the coming week, likely ranging from 15mm in the northwest to 76mm in the southesat. Growth will become increasingly restricted across Leinster, Munster and the midlands.
Further Comments
A condition orange fire risk is in operation for the country until midday 13th July, with elevated fire risk expected in all areas, but will be especially focused in southern and eastern regions.
