Farming Weather Analysis

Sunday 24 September 2017 12:00

Rain

The past week has seen above average rainfall in most areas with rainfall accumulations generally between 110 to 180% of normal. There have been a few exceptions though, with parts of Ulster and Clare recording between 40 and 80% of normal. Rainfall amounts for the coming week are expected to be above average for the time of year as several frontal rain bands and/or low pressure systems track close to or across Ireland. But there will be drier interludes as well, especially on Monday. Current Indications suggest many places across the country will have over twice the expected average rainfall over the coming week, with some northern areas recording more like one and a half times the expected average.

Temperatures

The past week has been cooler than normal with mean temperatures 1 to 1.5 degrees below average. Mean temperatures for the week ahead are expected to recover somewhat, varying from +0.7C in the north to -1.3C in the south. Soil temperatures are generally above average at the moment, and up to 1.5 Celsius above normal in the midlands.

Sunshine

The bulk of the country has seen sunshine amounts near or above normal over the past week. The coming week will see quite mixed conditions with some dull and wet days interspersed with some drier and sunnier interludes. As a result, sunshine is expected to be near normal or slightly below for the time of year over the coming week.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions will be poor with the passage of frontal systems, but generally good on Monday and through the first part of Tuesday.

Spraying

There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the coming week due to rain and/or windy conditions. The best day for spraying conditions are expected on Monday.

Field Conditions

Soil moisture deficits are low at the moment and poorly drained soils are likely to be saturated. This situation is unlikely to vary much over the coming week.