Latest Farming Commentary

Forecast issued at: Thursday 26th May 2022 14:00

Rain

Over the past week, rainfall was generally at or slightly above average in the western half of the country and below average in the eastern half of the country. Southern areas of Connacht saw the most rain fall while areas in the northeast of Leinster were driest. Dublin Airport had the lowest accumulation with under 4mm or 28% of average. Over the coming week, nearly all areas are expected to receive less rainfall than average but in the far east it will remain around or above average.

Temperatures

The past week saw mean air temperatures of 12 or 13 degrees in most areas, which is 0.5 to 1.5 degrees above average for the time of year. Mean soil temperatures ranged from 12 to 15 degrees, which is 1 to 2.5 degrees warmer than average. Over the coming seven days, mean air temperatures are expected to remain roughly at or slightly below average, ranging from 10 to 12 degrees. Soil temperatures are therefore expected to remain around the same.

Sunshine

Accumulated sunshine duration over the past seven days was at or slightly below average and mostly below average for coastal areas across the country. Between 21 and 42 hours were recorded which corresponds to between 75 and 105% of average for the time of year. Over the next few days, our weather is expected to become more settled with plenty of clear, sunny spells forecast. As a result, the total sunshine duration for the coming week is expected to be above average.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions for the next few days will be reasonably good, with very little rainfall expected between Thursday afternoon and Monday. From Monday onwards it will turn slightly more unsettled. Temperatures will be marginally warmer than average, with generally light or moderate winds

Spraying

There will be good opportunities for spraying over the next few days with only limited rainfall between Thursday afternoon and Monday, and mainly light to moderate winds. Rainfall from later Monday onwards will hamper spraying conditions.

Field Conditions

Currently, soils are driest in the south and east of the country, with soil moisture deficits of up to 34mm for well drain soils and to 38 mm for poorly drained soils. Conditions become wetter towards the northwest of the country where well and moderately drained soils remain just under saturation and poorly drained soils are waterlogged in places. Over the next seven days, field conditions will remain similar in the northern half of the country. On the other hand, the south and east will become even drier with projected soil moisture deficits of up to 35 to 45 mm for all soil types.