Forecast issued at: Friday 30th October 2026 11:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts were much higher than average, ranging from 150% to 231% of average. The highest amount of rainfall was measured in Mayo at nearly 67mm or 211% above average while the lowest amounts were in Leinster but still staying above average overall. Conditions will become more settled over the weekend as high pressure begins to dominant the weather over the weekend. As a result rainfall amounts are expected to well below average across the country, ranging between 3% and 30% of the average for this time of year, with highest amounts along norther coasts.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were above average for the time of year. The lowest mean air temperature of 9.7 degrees (1.6 degrees above average) was recorded at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo, while the highest mean air temperature of 12 degrees (1.1 degrees above average) was recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. Soil temperatures were near or above average, ranging from 9.6 to 11.6 degrees. For the coming week, mean air temperatures are forecast to be between average and 2 degrees above average, ranging from 8 to 12 degrees. No significant change is expected in mean soil temperatures.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were generally near or above average for this time of year, ranging between 72% and 152% of average for most stations. Valentia, Co. Kerry, recorded the least amount of sunshine with 12.3 hours (72% of average) while Johnstown Castle, Co, Wexford recorded the most with 25.8 hours (152% of average). Conditions will be largely settled over the next week, though the west of the country will initially see more cloud cover early on with sunshine amounts overall returning to above average from then on.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be good over the next seven days as high pressure builds over the weekend. For Friday and Saturday, the best opportunities will be away from the west due to outbreaks of rain and drizzle, but drying conditions will improve here from Sunday.
Spraying
The best opportunities for spraying will be from Sunday as winds ease and rain and drizzle in the west weakens, through there will be spraying opportunities on Saturday away from the west.
Field Conditions
All well and moderalety drained soils are saturated and poorly drained soils are waterlogged, with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) generally ranging from -10 mm to 2 mm. With some drier periods forecast over the coming week, all soil SMDs will improve somewhat, with well-drained and moderately drained SMDs increasing to between 0 mm and 5 mm during the next seven days, while poorly drained soil SMDs will range between -7 mm and -2 mm by the end of the period.
