Forecast issued at: Sunday 18th October 2026 13:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts were generally below average across the country with the exception of the west and northwest which saw between 89% to 203%. The highest accumulation of rainfall was recorded at Claremorris, Co. Mayo, with 60.6mm (203% of its average). The least amount of rain was recorded at Oak Park, Co. Carlow, with 9.5mm of rain (46% of its average). Rainfall amounts over the coming seven days will be well above average nationwide with 2 to 3 times the percentage average of rainfall expected. The highest accumulations are expected in the southwest.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were average or slightly above, with values ranging from 10.4 degrees, recorded at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo to 13.1 degrees, recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. Soil temperatures were above average, ranging from 11.5 to 14.2 degrees, which is between 1.5 and 3.7 degrees above average. Looking at the next seven days, it will be cooler with air temperatures up to 2 degrees below average. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average, with a trend to closer to average temperatures likely.
Sunshine
Sunshine over the past week were generally above average across the country, ranging between 113% to 162%. Malin Head, Co. Donegal, recorded the least amount of sunshine with 22.8 hours while Dublin Airport recorded the most with 36.4 hours. High pressure will continue to direct our weather patterns with generally dry and bright weather into early Tuesday. From Wednesday onwards it is expected to become more unsettled so sunshine amounts will likely be average or sightly below.
Drying Conditions
The best opportunities for drying will on Sunday and partly on Monday in the west and southwest. From Tuesday onwards drying conditions will deteriorate as spells of rain and drizzle are forecast.
Spraying
The best opportunity for spraying will be today Sunday which is expected to stay dry with just light variable breezes. There will also be spraying opportunities on Monday away from isolated showers in drifting in from the east with generally light to moderate breezes. From Tuesday onwards there will be limited spraying opportunities with unsettled weather forecasted.
Field Conditions
Most well and moderately drained soils are saturated while poorly drained soils nationwide are waterlogged, with Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) generally ranging from -10mm to 0mm. Although it is expected to be dry until Monday, and possibly the earlier half of Tuesday. More unsettled conditions are expected from Wednesday bringing spells of rain and showers. SMDs will generally remain saturated in well drained soils and become waterlogged or close to waterlogged nationwide in moderately drained soils. Poorly drained soils will also remain waterlogged.
