Forecast issued at: Sunday 05th May 2024 14:00
Rain
Rainfall this last week has been variable with near to slightly below average rainfall across parts of the east, north and in eastern parts of Connacht. However, rainfall was above average elsewhere. The driest conditions were recorded at Dublin Airport where 11.3mm was recorded. It was wettest in the southeast with 43.3mm recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. While there'll still be some patchy rain or showers about through the coming week, rainfall totals are expected to be well below average for most, with totals of just 1 to 5mm for many parts, equating to between 5 and 40% of average. Rainfall totals may reach up to 15mm locally in parts of the northwest which equates to 60% of average.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures this past week have generally hovered within a degree or so of average across the country ranging from 9.3 to 10.7 degrees Celsius which equates to between 0.9 degrees above average and -1.3 degrees below. Mean soil temperatures have remained generally above average, by 0.5 to 2 degrees, but in parts of the southeast mean soil temperatures were slightly below normal. Mean soil temperatures are ranging between 10.1 degrees and 12.5 degrees at present. Temperatures will gradually increase over the next seven days, with mean air temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees Celsius expected, which is generally 1 to 3 degrees above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts have been a bit below average over the past seven days. Sunshine amounts varied from 59% to 67% of average. It was sunniest at Cork Airport with 27 hours of sunshine recorded. The dullest conditions were recorded at Dublin Airport with 23.7 hours of sunshine recorded. Sunshine totals over the next 7 days will likely trend above average generally with pleasant sunny weather expected at times, especially on Tuesday and again later in the week.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will improve through the coming week with mainly dry conditions expected away from western and northern coasts after Monday.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities for spraying this week.
Field Conditions
Currently, most well drained soils and most moderately drained soils have good trafficability, although some moderately and well drained soils in the midlands and south are saturated or close to it. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) vary for poorly drained soils from -8 to +12mm, wettest in the south and south midlands and western coastal parts of Connacht. Soil conditions will improve everywhere in the coming week, with mainly dry and settled weather on the way.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. For any early sown crops: From later Friday 3rd May until Monday 6th May, weather conditions conductive to the spread of potato blight will affect parts of the north, north midlands and east. Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
