Latest Farming Commentary

Forecast issued at: Monday 19th May 2025 14:00

Rain

The past week has been mostly dry across Ireland. It was wettest in Donegal with 13.4 mm (84% of average) of rainfall recorded at Malin Head and driest in parts of the midlands and west with 0mm of rainfall recorded. Over the next seven days, rainfall amounts will become more mixed with rainfall amounts in most areas forecasted to trend above average. Rainfall amounts are expected to vary from 10mm (63% of average) in the south to 40mm (295% of average) in the west.

Temperatures

For the past week, mean air temperatures have been above average across Ireland, generally warmest in the west and coolest in the east due to an easterly breeze. Mean air temperatures ranged from 11.7 degrees at Dublin Airport (0.8 degrees above average) to 16.2 degrees at Shannon Airport (4.1 degrees above average). Mean soil temperatures were also above average, ranging from 15.8 degrees at Shannon Airport (3.8 degrees above average) to 18.8 degrees in Oak Park, Co. Carlow (6.9 degrees above average). For the coming week, both mean air and soil temperatures will continue to be above average. Generally, the mean air temperatures will trend 2 or 3 degrees above the seasonal norm, which equates to between 12 and 14 degrees.

Sunshine

Over the past week, sunshine amounts were well above average across the country. Belmullet saw the most sunshine with 97.3 hours recorded (229% of average) while Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the least amount with 85.7 sunshine hours (203% of average). With high pressure persisting for most of the coming week, sunshine amounts will continue to be above average for the next seven days.

Drying Conditions

Spraying:

Spraying

Field Conditions:

Field Conditions

Further Comments

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.