Latest Farming Commentary

Forecast issued at: Monday 20th October 2025 14:00

Rain

Rainfall accumulations for the past seven days were below average for most areas, with the exception of eastern and southern coastal areas. cross most of the country. Rainfall amounts ranged between 14 % and 184% of average. It was driest in the west with 4.5mm recorded at Belmullet, Co. Mayo. Southern areas were much wetter, with 56.9mm recorded at Cork Airport. More generally unsettled conditions in the week ahead means rainfall amounts will widely be close to or above average. However, southern coastal areas may be slightly drier than normal.

Temperatures

Mean air temperatures were above average over the past week, ranging from 10.7 to 14.1 degrees, which is up to 2.4 degrees above average. It was warmest in the south and coolest in the north. Mean soil temperatures have also been above average by 1.8 to 3.4 degrees, ranging from 11.4 to 13.7 degrees. Temperatures will decrease as this week progresses, with mean air temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 degrees, which is 2 or 3 degrees below normal. Some grass frost is possible later in the week. Soil temperatures will also decrease slightly.

Sunshine

It was much duller than average over the past seven days, with sunshine amounts between 15 and 69% of average. It was dullest along southern and eastern coasts with just 3.3 hours of sunshine recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Marginally brighter along south and southwest coasts with 13.3 hours of sunshine recorded at Valentia, Co. Kerry. While conditions will be generally unsettled in the week ahead, there will be more frequent sunny spells than of late. As a result, sunshine amounts will increase closer to normal.

Drying Conditions

With rain and showers forecast for the coming week, along with cooler temperatures, drying conditions are expected to be poor.

Spraying

Similarly, spraying opportunities will be very limited, with the best of any opportunities likely between showers on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Field Conditions

Currently all soils are saturated, with poorly drained and most moderately drained soils waterlogged. Frequent rainfall in the coming week means there will be little to no improvement to soil conditions. While a slight improvement is possible in some moderately drained soils, all well and moderately drained soils will remain saturated. Poorly drained soils will remain waterlogged.

Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.

Agricultural Data Graphs

Soil Moisture Deficits

Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) in (mm) are calculated for three classes of soil: well drained, moderately drained and poorly drained. For further information on how Soil Moisture Deficits are calculated, click here.