Forecast issued at: Saturday 30th May 2026 15:00
Rain
The last seven days brought drier than average conditions across the country. Many stations recorded virtually no rainfall during the week. The wettest location was Shannon Airport which recorded 8.1mm, 53% of average. The coming week will be more unsettled with above average rainfall forecast in all locations. 40-70mm is forecast during the seven day period widely across the country, around 300-400% of the climatological norm.
Temperatures
It was much warmer than average over the last seven days. Mean air temperatures ranged between 13.7 degrees at Malin Head, Co. Donegal and 18.5 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. This equates to between 1.8 and 5.6 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures have also been well above normal, ranging between 14.2 and 21 degrees which is between 3.4 and 8.5 degrees above normal. The coming week will be much cooler than last week but will still be close to or above average, ranging between 12 and 14 degrees, highest in the east. Mean soil temperatures will remain well above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amount were above average over the last week, ranging between 118% and 212% of normal. It was brightest in the east with 90 hours of sunshine recorded at Dublin Airport. Sunshine amounts were lower in the west with 47.7 hours of sunshine recorded at Belmullet, Co. Mayo. Conditions are forecast to become cloudier over the next week, so it is expected that sunshine amounts will generally be below average.
Drying Conditions
Over the weekend and early next week, drying conditions will be fairly poor at times with spells of rain and showers.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited over the weekend and early next week due to more frequent rainfall.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soil types range from 20 mm in parts of the south to 69mm in the east. More unsettled conditions over the coming seven days will result in a general decrease in SMDs. SMDs in parts of the south-east and east will decrease to between 25 and 50mm. Elsewhere they will decrease to 20mm or less with some southwestern, midwestern and north midlands area becoming saturated.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in may areas from Saturday afternoon 30th May until Tuesday morning 2nd June. There will be good opportunities for spraying Friday 29th May.
