Forecast issued at: Sunday 13th September 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past seven days varied across the country with close to or below average amounts in most parts, while rainfall amounts were above average in parts of the west, southwest and midlands. Malin Head, Co. Donegal, recorded the least amount of rainfall with 13.8mm or 58% of its average, while Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recorded the most with 45mm or 157% of its average. The weather over the coming days will be changeable with spells of rain or showers, heavy at times and mainly over western and northern parts. Therefore, rainfall amounts will be above average for the west and north, while they will be below average in parts of the south and east.
Temperatures
Air temperatures over the past week were above average nationwide, ranging between 13.4 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo, and 15.8 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. This equates to between 0.6 and 2.2 degrees above average with Dublin Airport recording that largest difference from its average. Mean soil temperatures were also above average, with values of 14.7 to 16.9 degrees which is between 1.8 and 3 degrees above average. With the changeable conditions over the coming week, temperatures will fluctuate but overall, mean air temperatures are forecast to be close to or up to 1 degree above average with mean soil temperatures continuing above average also.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were below average for much the country over the past week, especially along southern and western coastal counties, while further east sunshine amounts were closer to normal. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry saw the dullest conditions with just 15 hours of sunshine (54% of its average) while Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin recorded the most sunshine with 32.9 hours (110% of its average). With changeable weather over the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to be below normal generally.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will often be moderate or poor this week due to spells of rain or showers and with lighter winds during drier periods. The best opportunities will be today, Sunday, away from any light showers and mist.
Spraying
There will be limited opportunities for spraying this week as there will be spells of rain, showers and breezy conditions at times. The best opportunities will be today, Sunday.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) currently range from 0mm to -10mm in the west and northwest with saturated or waterlogged soil conditions. Most soils are trafficable elsewhere with some restriction to growth in soils in the east as SMDs there are between 28mm and 38mm. With above average rainfall in the west and north over the coming week, SMDs will decrease further with soils in the northwest, southwest and parts of the midlands becoming saturated or waterlogged. SMDs will see little change in the east with restrictions to growth continuing.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur until Tuesday afternoon (15th September).
