Forecast issued at: Sunday 06th October 2024 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past week have been below average for much of the midlands, south, and west, generally receiving between 51% and 77% of average. However, much of the east and north received between 99% and 186% of average rainfall amounts. It was wettest in Malin Head, in County Donegal, with 50mm recorded over the past week. Rainfall amounts for the week ahead will be higher than average over the southern half of the country, whereas the northern half will likely see rainfall amounts below normal.
Temperatures
The past seven days have been near average with mean air temperatures ranging from 11 degrees in the midlands to 13.4 degrees in the south. Mean soil temperatures are generally a degree above average. In the week ahead, mean air temperatures are forecast to range between 8 and 11 degrees, which is a degree below average for this time of year. Mean soil temperatures fall near normal or slightly above.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the last week were varied, ranging between 57% and 115% of average. It was sunniest in the east with 26.9 hours of sunshine recorded at Dublin Airport. The least amount of sunshine was recorded at Cork Airport with just 14.5 hours of sunshine recorded. Unsettled conditions are expected for the next seven days and sunshine is likely to be below average as a result.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be generally poor over the weekend and for the early days of next week. It will remain unsettled with further showers or longer spells of rain forecast.
Spraying
Rainfall and breezy conditions at times will generally prevent spraying in the coming days.
Field Conditions
Currently, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are between 5 and 25mm for the east, with saturated or waterlogged soils elsewhere. Frequent rain and showers are expected over the week, and SMDs are expected to continue to deteriorate nationwide. Most soils will be saturated while many poorly and moderately drain soils in the south, west and north midlands will be waterlogged.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
