Forecast issued at: Tuesday 25th August 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall accumulations were close to or below average over the past seven days. Parts of the midlands and east saw between 83% and 95% of average, with the highest accumulations at Knock/Ireland West airport which recorded 21.3mm, or 86% of average, while in southern and far western parts of the country it was drier than normal, with Roches Point, Co. Cork recording only 8% of average, with 1.6mm. Unsettled weather for the week ahead will bring spells of rain to most parts, though there is uncertainty in the exact amounts. Many areas will see more than 2 times their respective averages.
Temperatures
During the past seven days, mean air temperatures were largely within 1 degree of average but cooler in the east, mean air temperatures generally ranged between 13.3 degrees at Ballyhaise and Mullingar and 15.7 degrees at Roches Point, Co. Cork. Mean soil temperatures were above average throughout the country by between 0.8 and 3.3 degrees, ranging between 15.2 degrees in parts of the northwest to 18.8 degrees in the south. For the coming week mean air temperatures will be around or slightly above average. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the last seven days were slightly below average in the north and east, but above average in the south and southwest. The highest amount of sunshine was recorded at Cork airport, with 52.1 hours, or 147% of average, while Casement, Co. Dublin saw 89% of average, with 29.4 hours. The coming week will be unsettled with cloudy conditions and sunny spells at times. Overall, sunshine amounts are likely to come in a little below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will deteriorate from today, Tuesday, and remain moderate to very poor at times for most of the remainder of the week.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will deteriorate from today, Tuesday, and remain poor for most of the rest of the week in unsettled conditions.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) in the south and east are between 40 and 85mm, highest in the south and east, while some soils in the far northwest are saturated or close to it. Apart from the far northwest, most soils are experiencing restrictions to growth. With above average precipitation expected over the coming week, SMDs will generally decrease by 20 to 40mm in the south and east, with the chance that some soils in the north and northwest will become waterlogged or close to it.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many areas from Wednesday morning 26th August to Sunday evening 30th August. There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the coming week.
