Forecast issued at: Wednesday 21st May 2025 13:00
Rain
The past week has been largely dry across Ireland with below average rainfall amounts recorded at most stations. However, over the last few days there has been scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms which have resulted in high rainfall totals in localised areas, especially across the Midlands. Over the next seven days, rainfall amounts will be low to start before conditions turn more unsettled from Friday and so rainfall amounts are forecast to trend above average across the country. With a mobile westerly air-flow to dominate from Friday and through into early next week, western and northern areas are forecast to see the most rainfall. Rainfall totals in the west and north are likely to range between 30 and 60mm generally through the 7-day period. Whilst rainfall amounts in the east and south will range from 15 to 30mm.
Temperatures
For the past week, mean air temperatures have been near or above average across Ireland, generally warmest in the west and coolest in the east due to an easterly breeze. Mean air temperatures ranged from 10.6 degrees at Dublin Airport (0.4 degrees below average) to 15.6 degrees at Belmullet (4.3 degrees above average). Mean soil temperatures were also above average, ranging from 3 to 7 degrees above average generally. For the coming week, both mean air and soil temperatures will continue to be above average. Generally, the mean air temperatures will trend 1 or 2 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. Malin Head, Co. Donegal saw the most sunshine with 104.1 hours recorded (245% of average) whilst Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the least amount with 74.1 sunshine hours (245% of average). Sunshine amounts will be mixed this week, it'll start sunny today and Thursday before conditions turn more unsettled and cloud cover increases. Over the next seven days sunshine amounts will get closer to average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be good from today through Friday morning with mostly dry conditions expected. With widespread rain expected at the weekend, drying conditions will become moderate to poor.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities for spraying today through until Friday morning. However, conditions will turn more unsettled from Friday afternoon which will affect spraying conditions.
Field Conditions
With SMD's above 50mm in many areas, growth is increasingly restricted. With rainfall forecast from Friday evening, SMD's will likely recover to between 15 and 40mm in many areas by next week.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
