Forecast issued at: Friday 02nd October 2026 15:00
Rain
Rainfall has been above average in Leinster and in some southeastern parts of Munster over the past seven days, ranging between 125% and 310% of average, while it was generally drier or near average elsewhere, ranging between 32% and 118%. It was wettest at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, with 60.1mm of rain recorded, and it was driest at Shannon Airport with 6.5mm. After heavy rain today, conditions will become more mixed for the coming week. There will be some rain and drizzle at times with drier periods too. As a result, rainfall amounts are forecast to be well below average in the south of the country, ranging from 20% to 53% of normal, which equates to between 6 and 20mm of rain. Elsewhere, rainfall amounts are expected to be above average with between 119% and 230% of average amounts forecast.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were above average over the past seven days, ranging from 11.9 to 14.2 degrees, which equates to between 0.5 and 1.8 degrees above average. Soil temperatures were also above average over the last seven days ranging between 13.2 and 15.5 degrees, or between 1.5 and 3.3 degrees above average. Mean air temperatures for the coming week will be between 2 and 3 degrees above average. Soil temperatures will remain above average also.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were above average over the past seven days, raging between 116% and 171% of average. It was brightest at Malin Head, Co. Donegal, with 41.6 hours of sunshine. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, saw the least amount of sunshine with 27.5 hours recorded. With more mixed weather forecast for the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to fall close to or below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will improve after heavy rain today. The best opportunities will be on Saturday with a dry and bright day forecast.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities for spraying on Saturday.
Field Conditions
Soils are saturated or close to saturation while moderately and poorly drained soils across the northwest, midlands, south and southeast are waterlogged. However, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) in the mid-west and the east are slightly higher. For the week ahead, SMDs will generally decrease further with all soils close to saturation, saturated or waterlogged.
