Forecast issued at: Monday 08th December 2025 15:00
Rain
Rainfall over the past week was above normal at most stations, with several southern and western sites exceeding twice the long-term average. Johnstown Castle reached 243% of normal, Valentia 229%, and Cork Airport 211%. Eastern stations recorded smaller anomalies but remained above normal, except Malin Head, which was near average at 99%.Further Atlantic rainbands will cross the country in the coming days. Western and southern counties will be the wettest, with frequent rain or showers. Eastern and inland areas will also see regular precipitation, though with some shorter dry intervals. Rainfall totals are expected to remain above average in many regions.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were above normal nationwide, ranging from 6.0 degrees Celsius at Mullingar and Knock to 8.8 degrees Celsius at Valentia. All reporting stations showed positive anomalies.
Soil temperatures at 10 cm were near or above normal, generally between 5.8 and 8.5 degrees Celsius.Temperatures will stay mild for early December, with daytime values in the low teens and nights well above freezing. Soil temperatures will remain near or slightly above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts varied significantly. Western stations, such as Belmullet (36% of normal), were dullest, while southeastern and midland stations recorded higher values, including Johnstown Castle (144%) and Shannon Airport (122%).Sunshine in the coming period will be variable, with alternating cloudy intervals and occasional brighter spells.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions are expected to remain poor throughout the forecast period. Frequent rain or showers on most days, combined with saturated soils and generally light to moderate winds, will keep evaporation rates low. Any short-lived improvement will occur only during brief brighter intervals and will not be sufficient to meaningfully improve surface conditions.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be very limited. Regular rainfall and short dry intervals, along with persistently wet soils, will prevent suitable spraying windows for most locations. Any usable periods will be brief, highly localised, and timing-dependent.
Field Conditions
Soils remain saturated, with waterlogging on poorly drained land. Field access and workability are poor across both grassland and arable sites. With further rainfall expected, no improvement in field conditions is likely in the short term.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
