Forecast issued at: Wednesday 17th December 2025 11:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts over Ireland have varied significantly through the country. Amounts were generally above normal in the southeast, south, south-west and west with 20 to 50mm generally (110 to 150% of the average). Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the most with 64.4mm which is 258% of its average. Elsewhere, amounts generally ranged between 10 and 20mm
(50 to 70% of the average). Dublin Airport recorded the least with 9.1mm. Generally unsettled conditions are expected to continue through the rest of this week before drier and more settled conditions develop early next week. Overall, rainfall amounts will likely range between 10 to 50mm for most, driest in the east and wettest in the west. This equates to between 60 and 130% of normal.
Temperatures
Over the past week, mean air temperatures were well above average, ranging from 6.3 degrees in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to 9.3 degrees at Belmullet, Co. May. This equates to between 0.8 and 2.5 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures have also been above normal, ranging from 6.2 to 9 degrees (1.2 to 3 degrees above average). Over the coming days, mean air temperatures are expected to continue above normal before falling back closer to normal over the week and likely decreasing further early next week. Overall, mean air temperatures are expected to range between 6 and 9 degrees which is between 0 and 3 degrees higher than the average. Mean soil temperatures will also continue above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts for most areas over the past week were generally above average with the exception of some western areas. Amounts ranged between 13 and 19 hours for most (130 to 200% of normal) with Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recording the most with 20.1 hours. Belmullet, Co. Mayo recorded the least with just 6.4 hours which is 73% of its average). While there will be good sunny spells at times, with mostly unsettled conditions over the coming week, sunshine amounts will likely decline to around or below normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will often be poor this week with spells of rain and showers most days. The best opportunity is likely to be Friday afternoon away from showers.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited this week with often unsettled and breezy conditions. There are indications of better opportunities developing early next week.
Field Conditions
Currently, all well and moderately drained soils are saturated while poor drained soils are either waterlogged or close to it. Due to spells of rain and showers, conditions will deteriorate at times with all poorly drained soils and some moderately drained soils becoming waterlogged. However, there will be some recovery at times too.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
