Forecast issued at: Wednesday 17th June 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past seven days have been mostly close to or below normal. Malin Head, Co. Donegal was the only station with above average rainfall with 19.6mm recorded (117% of its average). Roches Point, Co. Cork recorded the least with just 4mm (27% of average). After a largely dry day today (Wednesday), there will be spells of rain tonight, tomorrow and into Friday which will be heavier at times. Drier conditions are then expected for the weekend and early next week but still with some rain and showers at times. Overall, rainfall amounts forecast to be above normal nationwide, approximately between 20 and 50mm which is between 120% and 260% of the average generally.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week were close to, or slightly above normal, ranging from 12.9 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo to 14.6 degrees at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. Mean soil temperatures were above normal, ranging between 13.7 and 17.3 degrees. Temperatures will be a little higher during the next seven days, with mean values of 13 to 16 degrees expected which is 1 or 2 degrees warmer than normal for most. Mean soil temperatures will continue above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were close to or above normal for parts of the south and east, close to or below normal to the west and north. The sunniest location was Cork Airport, recording 46.8 hours of sunshine (114% of its average). It was dullest at Belmullet, Co. Mayo with 22.7 hours of sunshine (62% of its average). While there will be good sunny spells at times, especially today (Wednesday) and Saturday, overall it will likely be cloudier than usual.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be mainly moderate or poor for Thursday and Friday. Some better opportunities will develop over the weekend, especially in the south and east.
Spraying
After today (Wednesday), opportunities for spraying will be limited until the weekend with the best spraying conditions expected for the south and east.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for well drained and moderately drained soils are between 8 and 42mm, with the driest soils in Leinster, while SMDs for poorly drained soils are between 2 and 46mm, lowest generally over the northwestern half fo the country. With above average rainfall expected, SMDs will decrease across all soil types and areas with soils away from the south and east becoming saturated or waterlogged between Thursday and Friday. SMDs will then generally increase gradually over the following days.
Further Comments
Weather conditions conducive to the spread of Potato Blight will develop tonight (Wednesday 17th June) in some southern and western areas. These conditions will extend nationwide for Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning (18th to 20th June).
