Farming Weather Analysis

Monday 25 September 2017 10:00

Rain

The past week has seen above average rainfall in most areas with rainfall accumulations generally between 110 to 170% of normal. The exception to this was east Ulster, where rainfall was just 40 and 80% of normal. Rainfall amounts for the coming week are expected to be well above average for the time of year, as several frontal rain bands and/or low pressure systems track close to or across Ireland. Most places are expected to receive over twice the normal rainfall with parts of the southwest coast potentially up to three times the norm.

Temperatures

Apart from the south coast, the past week has been cooler than normal by between 0.4 and 1.2 degrees Celsius. The coming week is expected to be a little cool, with temperatures forecast to be below the average by 0.3 to 0.8 Celsius of a degree Celsius. Soil temperatures are generally above average at the moment, and up to 1.5 Celsius above normal in the midlands.

Sunshine

The bulk of the country has seen sunshine amounts near or a little above normal over the past week, but northern coastal counties were duller and had less than 80% of the average sunshine. The coming week will see very unsettled conditions, with some dull and wet days interspersed with some drier and brighter interludes. As a result, sunshine figures are expected to be below average for the time of year.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions will be poor much of the time with the unsettled weather but some periods of reasonable drying are likely as there will be a breeze after today.

Spraying

There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the coming week due to rain and/or windy conditions. The best day for spraying is today Monday.

Field Conditions

Soil moisture deficits are low at the moment and poorly drained soils are likely to be saturated. This situation is likely to deteriorate