Forecast issued at: Sunday 30th August 2026 13:00
Rain
During the past seven days rainfall was above normal across Leinster and much of Munster with generally 175 to 245% of average, and as much as 56mm of rainfall recoded at Johnstown Castle, Wexford. It was however drier than normal elsewhere with rainfall accumulations between 18 and 84% of normal. The coming week will be generally unsettled with rain or showers most each day, though not widespread each day either. Some intense downpours in places today with some very heavy rain signalled at this stage for next weekend. As a result, rainfall amounts will be above average nationwide as a result, over the next seven days.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the last seven days were typically 1.5 degrees above normal, from 15.1 to 16.8 degrees. Mean soil temperatures have been well above average, ranging from 15.3 to 18.2 degrees, which is between 1.9 and 3.1 degrees above normal. While it will be fresher at times this weekend, next week will be slightly warmer. Mean air temperatures will be 1 or 2 degrees above average as a result. Mean soil temperatures will continue to trend above normal too.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts in the last week were generally close to or slightly above normal, ranging between % and 106% of average. It was brightest across north Ulster with 31.2 hours of sunshine recorded at Malin Hed, Co. Donegal. With rather unsettled conditions during the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to be below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be moderate or poor in the coming days due to frequent rainfall and showers.
Spraying
There will be few opportunities for spraying in the coming days due to more unsettled conditions. There will be frequent spells of rain and showers with breezier conditions at times too.
Field Conditions
Despite recent heavy rain or showers, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are generally between 30 and 65mm across Leinster and much of Munster, leading to restriction to growth in places. SMDs are lower in other areas, ranging between 8 and 39mm. With more unsettled weather in the coming week, SMDs will decrease across the country. Soils in Connacht, west Ulster and west Munster will become saturated with some poorly drained soils in the northwest becoming waterlogged. SMDs elsewhere will generally decrease to between 10 and 40mm.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur in many areas until Monday morning 31st August.
