Forecast issued at: Tuesday 23rd April 2024 11:00
Rain
A much-welcomed drier spell of weather has now taken hold with all regions of Ireland having received below normal rainfall amounts over the last 7 days. It has been driest in the south with just trace amounts of rainfall recorded in County Cork and County Kerry. The next few days looks set to be largely dry but there is the chance of some rain or showers from Thursday onwards with the small chance of a spell of heavy rain over the weekend. Generally, rainfall totals over the next 7 days will range from 5-15mm but there is the chance of some higher totals occurring over the weekend and into next week so keep a close eye on the forecast in the coming days.
Temperatures
Sunday, April 21st was the warmest day of the year so far with a maximum temperature of 20.1 degrees recorded at Newport Furnace in County Mayo. Despite this, the last seven days have seen mean air temperatures generally around the April climatological average. It was coolest at Dublin Airport with a mean temperature of 7.1 degrees (1.5 degrees below normal) whilst it was mildest as compared to the climatological mean at Cork Airport with a mean temperature of 10.3 degrees recorded (1.6 degrees above normal).
Sunshine
There has been plenty of sunshine over the last few days and as a result all observing stations are reporting above average sunshine totals over the last 7 days. It was sunniest at Shannon Airport in County Clare with a total of 55 hours of sunshine recorded (151% of average). The least sunshine was recorded at Dublin Airport with 42 hours of sunshine observed (111% of the average). The next 7 days will likely bring near average sunshine amounts as the settled spell of weather gives way to more unsettled conditions from later this week.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be generally good for today (Tuesday) and on Wednesday with a mix of cloud and sunshine along with moderate breezes. Some rain or showers are likely at times from Thursday onwards.
Spraying
Light to moderate winds and dry conditions over the coming days will allow for spraying across the country. Spraying conditions will deteriorate from Thursday onwards with rain or showers at times and breezier conditions forecast.
Field Conditions
Currently, most well and moderately drained soils are trafficable with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging between 5 and 18mm. Poorly drained soils are quickly improving with many regions now trafficable albeit some areas of Ulster remain saturated. With largely dry weather over the next few days, soil conditions will improve. Later in the week, more unsettled conditions will cause soils to deteriorate slightly.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
