Forecast issued at: Sunday 02nd August 2026 14:00
Rain
During the past week, rainfall amounts have been below average for most areas, well below average for much of the east and south. However, it has been wetter in western parts of Connacht and northern and western parts of Ulster, with up to around twice the average amount of rainfall recorded in these areas. The least amount of rainfall was recorded at Oak Park, Co. Carlow with just 0.5mm or 3% recorded, while Belmullet, Co. Mayo, received the highest amount, with 41.3mm or 206% of average rainfall recorded here. The week ahead will bring rain or showers, most widespread through the early days of the week, with some thundery downpours expected in parts on Monday and Tuesday. However, good dry spells will develop from midweek. Overall rainfall amounts are expected to vary from around average to twice the normal for the time of year.
Temperatures
Over the past week, mean air temperatures have generally been close to average for much of the country, but it has been warmer across the east and south, by up to a couple of degrees above average. Mean air temperatures ranged from 14.2 degrees Celsius at Knock, Co. Mayo to 17.5 degrees Celsius at Roches Point, Co. Cork. It's going to be warmer than average over the next couple of days and humid too, however it'll turn fresher from midweek. So overall, for the coming 7 days, mean air temperatures are expected to be come in around average generally, ranging from 14 to 16 degrees, again warmest in the south and east. Mean soil temperatures were above average during the past week by between 1.5 and 4.5 degrees, ranging from 15.9 degrees in the north to 20.3 degrees in the south, and are expected to remain above average for the coming week.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally around average across the country over the last seven days, just a little below in some parts of the midlands. The least amount of sunshine was recorded at Gurteen, Co. Tipperary, with 18.3 hours received here. The highest amount of sunshine was received at Cork Airport, where 43.2 hours were recorded, equating to 116% of average. Over the coming week, conditions are expected to be unsettled and rather cloudy for a time, before it becomes drier through midweek, with better spells of sunshine. So overall, we're likely to see sunshine amounts coming in around average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be poor over the next couple of days with rainfall and humid conditions. However drying will improve through midweek as it turns fresher and also a little breezier for a time, though there'll still be some scattered showers around through the second half of the week.
Spraying
There'll be little if any opportunity for spraying until at least after midweek due to rain or heavy thundery showers in the coming days and rather breezy conditions on Wednesday. There'll be some opportunity for spraying during the second half of the week, away from scattered showers.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) generally currently range from around 50mm to 90mm, with the driest conditions across the south and east. SMDs are lower though in the north and northwest, with deficits here of around 10mm or so. The ground is hard with restriction to growth in many areas away from the north and northwest, with drought or near drought conditions for much of Leinster and Munster. Over the coming week, with some rain or showers in the forecast, SMDs will drop a little, but not very significantly.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect from tonight until Wednesday. Weather conditions conductive to the spread of potato blight will develop across many parts of Munster, Connacht and Ulster through Sunday night and Monday, becoming more widespread for Tuesday and Tuesday night. Fresher conditions will develop on Wednesday.
