Forecast issued at: Saturday 07th September 2024 12:00
Rain
Rainfall accumulations over the past seven days were generally below average ranging from 4.7mm to 14.6mm (20% to 64% of average), apart from parts of the east where they were nearly twice the average. It was driest in the west and northwest last week. For the week ahead, much of the southern half of the country will have below average rainfall, ranging between 15 and 60% of average. However, rainfall accumulations across the northern half of the country are expected to be higher than average, with the northwest expected to receive more than 3 times its average rainfall.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were within a degree of average, ranging from 13.4 degrees at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan and 15.5 degrees at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. Soil temperatures were generally between 1.1 and 2.0 degrees above average, ranging between 13.6 to 16.1 degrees. In the coming week, temperatures will be around average or a degree below average. Although today, Saturday will be warm, it will gradually turn cooler from tomorrow, Sunday. Average temperatures for the coming week are expected to be between 12 and 14 degrees.
Sunshine
It was generally close to average or brighter than average across the country over the past week, apart from the south and southeast, with sunshine amounts ranging from 19 hours at Cork Airport (58% of normal) to 50 hours at Malin Head, Co. Donegal (173% of normal). The coming week will have a mixture of sunny spells and cloudy periods, so overall average or below average sunshine amounts are expected.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be good in many areas today, away from the south and moderate or poor tomorrow.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will be good in many areas today, and tomorrow between showers.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are generally between 10 and 50mm in the east and south, highest in the east. However, soils are close to saturation, in parts of the northwest and north midlands, with poorly drained soils in the northwest waterlogged. With a mixture of drier spells and outbreaks of rain expected in the coming week, SMDs will remain broadly similar or improve slightly.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will likely develop today in the south and west and continue for a time on Sunday. Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
