Forecast issued at: Friday 09th January 2026 14:00
Rain
Over the past seven days, rainfall amounts have been generally below normal across the country. Rainfall amounts generally ranged between 10% in the midlands to 80% near coasts. Accumulations were slightly higher near south and southwest coasts at 90 - 120% of average. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recorded the highest rainfall with 38.1mm recorded there. The lowest rainfall was recorded at Gurteen, Co. Tipperary, with 2.2mm there. Conditions will be more unsettled in the coming week with more frequent spells of rain and showers. It will be wetter than average nationwide with rainfall amounts forecast to be up to 2 or 3 times the normal. The wettest conditions will be in the southwest.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were well below average over the last seven days, ranging from 1.3 degrees in the east to 5.3 degrees in the west. This is between 1.1 and 4.1 degrees below average for the time of year. Mean soil temperatures have been below normal by 0.3 to 2.7 degrees, ranging from 1.6 to 5.2 degrees. Over the coming week, mean air temperatures will increase close to normal, and will be slightly above normal in parts of the north and northwest. Temperatures will increase to approximately 4 to 9 degrees. Mean soil temperatures will remain similar but may increase slightly as the week progresses.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were above normal for most areas over the past week, though they were slightly below normal in the west and northwest. The least sunshine was recorded in the north with 8.8 hours of sunshine recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal (93% of average). It was brightest in the southeast with 27.4 hours recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford (229% of average). With more unsettled conditions in the week ahead, sunshine amounts are likely to decrease to below normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor for the coming week with more unsettled weather.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited for the week ahead due to more unsettled conditions.
Field Conditions
Currently, all soils are saturated with moderately drained soils in the south and poorly drained soils in the south, west and northwest waterlogged. There will be a steady deterioration in soil conditions over the coming week, with poorly and moderately drained soils becoming fully waterlogged for a time before moderately drained soils show a slight improvement, becoming mostly saturated by the end of the week. Meanwhile, well drained soils will remain saturated.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
