Forecast issued at: Friday 30th January 2026 14:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts have been well above average in many areas, especially in the south and east. Amounts were closer to normal in the north-west where Belmullet, Co. Mayo and Malin Head, Co. Donegal both recording close to 28mm. Elsewhere, totals generally ranged between 40 and 80mm which is between 180% and 470% of the average. Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the most with 97mm which is almost 4.5 times its average for the time of year. While there will be some drier spells at times, overall our weather is going to continue unsettled with further spells of rain and showers. Southern and eastern areas are likely to experience between 150% and 300% of the average with drier conditions elsewhere, especially in the north-west which may be drier than normal.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week were mostly above average, ranging from 5.2 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo and 7.3 degrees at Roche's Point, Co. Cork which equates to between 0.6 degrees below at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry and 1.5 degrees above at Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Mean soil temperatures have been above normal throughout the country, ranging from 5.1 to 6.6 degrees which is between 0.1 and 2.2 degrees above the average. Over the coming week, mean air temperatures will likely be close to normal. Mean soil temperatures will likely continue above normal but may decrease slightly.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts in parts of the south-west, west and north-west were close to normal with between 10.9 and 12.6 hours recorded. Elsewhere, duller than average conditions were experienced with between 4.7 and 7.6 hours recorded (30 and 60% of the average). With the majority of the week ahead looking unsettled, sunshine amounts will likely be below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be generally poor over the coming week with mostly unsettled conditions.
Spraying
Opportunities for spraying will be very limited over the coming days due to the unsettled weather pattern. The best opportunity is likely to be later in the day on Sunday as the rain clears north-eastwards and largely dry conditions follow.
Field Conditions
All poorly drained soils and some moderately drained soils are waterlogged, while all other soils are saturated. With unsettled conditions over the coming week, there will be little to no improvement to soil conditions, though some moderately drained soils could see an improvement in soil moisture deficits in the west.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
