Forecast issued at: Friday 21st August 2026 13:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past seven days were close to or above average across Ulster but lower than average elsewhere, particularly across the South and East with just 15% of average recored for southeast fringes. Rainfall ranged from 2 mm across southeast fringes to 36mm across northern fringes (157% of average) There will be scattered showers for the rest of today with drier conditions following for the weekend and much of Monday before more unsettled conditions make a return. Some heavy thundery showers or longer spells of rain are likely into next week, feeding up from the Bay of Biscay, however the detail is uncertain at this stage. Rainfall projections for the next seven days are such that it is expected to be wetter than usual across the South and East but drier than normal elsewhere.
Temperatures
During the past seven days, mean air temperatures were slightly above average across the South and East with closer to average values elsewhere. Mean air temperatures ranged rom 14.9 degrees in Donegal to 18.0 degrees in Cork. Daytime temperatures will be around normal for the next few days but with some cool nights. Daytime and nighttime temperatures will then trend upwards from Sunday with some notably mild nights into next week. Mean soil temperatures will continue above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally below average over the last seven days though were closer to normal in the Southeast. Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the most with 32 hours (85% of normal) while Belmullet Co. Mayo, recorded the least with 17.5 hours. While there will be nice sunshine this weekend and during Monday, cloudier conditions will develop for midweek.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be mostly moderate this weekend. Conditions will then deteriorate again early next week.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities for spraying this weekend with light breezes and just a few showers.
Field Conditions
Away from the northwest, most soils are experiencing restrictions to growth with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging between 25 and 9mm, highest in the Southeast. In the far Northwest, soils are saturated while some poorly drained soils are waterlogged. Over the coming week, more soils in the northwest will become saturated or waterlogged. Elsewhere, SMDs will likely decrease by between 5 and 25mm.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many areas from Tuesday 25th August to Thursday 27th August. There will be good opportunities for spray on Saturday and Sunday, 22nd and 23rd August away from a few showers.
