Forecast issued at: Sunday 08th March 2026 14:00
Rain
Over the past week, it was wetter than average across much of Munster and south Leinster with rainfall amounts between 109% and 157% of average. Elsewhere, it was drier than average with rainfall amounts between 46% and 97% of average. The southwest was the wettest region with 41.5mm recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. It was driest in northern areas with 10.5mm recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal. It will turn more unsettled over the coming week with frequent spells of rain spreading from the Atlantic. Rainfall amounts will be between 1.2 and 2 times average for most areas as a result, with the exception of southern and southeastern coasts where amounts will be below normal.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were close to or slightly above average over the past week, ranging from 5.9 to 8.2 degrees, which is between average and 1 degree above average. Mean soil temperatures have been above average nationwide, ranging from 6.7 and 9.1 degrees, which is between 1.9 and 3.9 degrees above average. For the coming week, mean air temperatures are expected to be within a degree of normal nationwide, though it may turn cooler towards the end of the working week. Soil temperatures will remain above normal.
Sunshine
It was brighter than average for most areas over the past week with sunshine amounts between 100% and 194% of normal. It was brightest in eastern areas with 40.4 hours of sunshine recorded at Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin. Slightly duller in southern and southwestern areas with 21 hours of sunshine recorded at Cork Airport. With more unsettled conditions in the week ahead, sunshine amounts will likely be closer to or below normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will often be moderate or poor in the week ahead with spells of rain and showers spreading from the west.
Spraying
There will be some opportunities for spraying on Monday afternoon and evening outside of drizzle patches. Spraying opportunities will be limited thereafter due to spells of rain and breezy conditions.
Field Conditions
Currently soil moisture deficits (SMDs) in well and moderately drained soils are approximately 1 to 3mm, but poorly drained soils remain saturated. There will be a deterioration in soil conditions over the coming week due to more frequent rainfall. Well and moderately drained soils will become saturated while most poorly drained soils will become waterlogged.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
