Forecast issued at: Wednesday 16th September 2026 13:00
Rain
Most areas experienced average, or above, rainfall amounts during the past 7 days. The most rainfall was recorded at Claremorris, Co. Mayo where 38.1mm (or 167% of average) fell. The exception was in parts of the east, with just 6.7mm (only 47% of average) falling at Dublin Airport. During the coming 7 days, there will be a contrast between the north and west and the south and east in terms of rainfall. Average, or slightly above, rainfall amounts are expected in the west and north, with significantly less than average amounts expected in the south and east.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were above average by between 0.8 degrees and 2.9 degrees during the past 7 days. The lowest such temperature was 13.7 degrees recorded at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo (1.4 degrees above average). The highest such temperature was 16.5 degrees recorded at Dublin Airport (2.9 degrees above average). Mean soil temperatures were also above average by between 2.1 and 3.8 degrees, ranging from 14.7 degrees to 17.4 degrees. Mean air temperatures are set to be a degree or two above average for the coming week, ranging from 14 to 16 degrees. Mean soil temperatures would also be expected to stay above average.
Sunshine
Most areas experienced below average levels of sunshine during the past 7 days, with just a few exceptions. The least sunshine, just 15.1 hours or 55% of average, was recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. In contrast, 35.2 hours or 120% of average, was recorded at Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin. With mixed conditions forecast for the coming week, sunshine amounts would be expected to be variable.
Drying Conditions
While it will be breezy at times over the coming days, showers or more persistent spells of rain mean that drying conditions will likely be poor. The best drying conditions are likely to be on Wednesday, or away from showers on Thursday or the weekend.
Spraying
Breezy conditions, together with showers or spells of rain, mean that opportunities for spraying will be limited.
Field Conditions
Soils in the northwest and west are typically saturated. In contrast, soils in parts of the east are experiencing some restrictions to growth with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) of up to 38mm. Elsewhere, SMDs range from 9 to 22 degrees. During the coming 7 days, SMDs are expected to slightly decrease in parts of the west and north where it will be wetter, and slightly increase in parts of the south and east where it will be drier.
