Forecast issued at: Sunday 29th March 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts were close to or above average in most areas of the past week, with accumulations generally ranging between 108% and 216% of average. However, it was drier in much of south Munster and south Leinster with accumulations there of 54% to 75% of normal. It was wettest in the north midlands and west, with 38mm recorded at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo. Much drier in the south with 9.6mm recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork. In the coming week, most areas will receive close to or slightly above average rainfall but once again, much of the south and southeast will be drier than average.
Temperatures
Air temperatures over the past week were slightly below normal, with mean values of 6 to 8.3 degrees, which is 0.2 to 1.3 degrees below normal. Soil temperatures were generally above normal, ranging between 6.9 and 9.5 degrees. This is between 1.2 and 2.6 degrees higher than average. It will be slightly milder over the next week, with mean air temperatures increasing slightly to within a degree of average. Soil temperatures will remain above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were close to or slightly above average, with sunshine between 95% and 121% of normal. Accumulated sunshine hours ranged between 25.2 hours in the east to 32 hours in the west. The weather will gradually turn more unsettled over the next week so sunshine amounts are likely to be below normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be moderate on Monday and Tuesday with mild temperatures and a good deal of dry weather. However, cloud and occasional patches of drizzle will hamper drying slightly. Drying conditions will be poor from Wednesday onwards with more frequent rainfall developing.
Spraying
There will be some opportunities for spraying later on Monday as moderate to fresh westerly winds gradually ease. Light to moderate winds on Tuesday with just occasional patches of drizzle will present further opportunities for spraying. Spraying opportunities will be limited from Wednesday onwards as wet and breezier spells affect the country.
Field Conditions
Well and moderately drained soils in south Munster and Leinster are trafficable. All other soils are saturated with poorly drained soils in the west and north waterlogged. There will be little change in soil conditions at first this week but as rainfall turns more frequent towards the weekend, there will be some deterioration in soils. Moderately drained soils away from the south and southeast will become saturated or waterlogged while most poorly drained soils will also become waterlogged. Well drained soils will be saturated away from the south and southeast.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
