Forecast issued at: Thursday 18th December 2025 12:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts over Ireland have varied significantly through the country. Amounts were generally above normal in the southeast, south and west with 40 to 60mm generally (150 to 200% of the average). Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the most with 81.4mm which is 327% of its average. Elsewhere, amounts generally ranged between 10 and 30mm
(70 to 80% of the average). Dublin Airport recorded the least with 11.7mm. Generally unsettled conditions are expected to continue through the rest of this week before drier and more settled conditions develop early next week. Overall, rainfall amounts will likely be lower than average for this time of year and range between 5 and 25mm for most, driest in the midlands and wettest in the southwest. This equates to between 10 and 75% of normal.
Temperatures
Over the past week, mean air temperatures were well above average, ranging from 6.2 degrees in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to 9.2 degrees in Belmullet, Co. May. This equates to between 0.9 and 2.4 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures have also been above normal, ranging from 6.1 to 8.8 degrees (1.2 to 2.8 degrees above average). Over the coming days, mean air temperatures are expected to continue above normal before falling back closer to normal over the weekend and likely decreasing further early next week. Overall, mean air temperatures are expected to range between 5 and 9 degrees which is between a degree below average and 2 degrees higher than average. It will likely be coolest in the west and mildest in the east and north. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts for most areas over the past week were generally above average with the exception of some western areas. Amounts ranged between 11 and 18 hours for most (120 to 200% of normal) with Malin Head, Co. Donegal recording the most with 17.5 hours. Belmullet, Co. Mayo recorded the least with just 6.3 hours which is 72% of its average. While there will be good sunny spells at times, with mostly unsettled conditions for the remainder of the week, sunshine amounts will likely decline to around or below normal.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will often be poor this week with spells of rain and showers most days. The best opportunity is likely to be Friday afternoon away from showers.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited this week with often breezy conditions. There are indications of better opportunities developing early next week.
Field Conditions
Currently, all well and most moderately drained soils are saturated while some moderately and all poor drained soils are waterlogged. There will be further spells of rain and showers for the coming days, but with indications for drier and more settled weather early next week, conditions will likely improve somewhat. All soils will likely remain saturated with a recovery possible in some waterlogged soils.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
