Forecast issued at: Wednesday 02nd September 2026 15:00
Rain
During the past seven days rainfall was above normal across Leinster, Munster and much of Connacht with accumulations generally between 100% and 300% of normal. However, it was just slightly drier than normal in Ulster with rainfall amounts between 86% and 98% of average. It was wettest in the south with 56.2mm recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork. It was drier further north with 20mm recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal. The coming week will be wetter than normal across the country with rainfall amounts ranging from 1 to over 3 times normal from south to north respectively. This will be due to frequent showers and spells of rain spread across the next seven days, with potential for some heavier downpours at times.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the last seven days were between 1 and 2.4 degrees above normal, ranging from 15.5 to 17.2 degrees. Mean soil temperatures have been above average by 2.2 to 3.2 degrees, ranging from 15.5 to 17.9 degrees. Mean air temperatures will remain above normal over the next seven days by 1 or 2 degrees. Mean soil temperatures will also remain above average.
Sunshine
It was duller than average across the country over the last week with sunshine amounts ranging between 55% and 74% of normal. It was brightest in the southeast with 22.5 hours of sunshine recorded at Johnstown castle, Co. Wexford. Somewhat duller in the east with 17.6 hours of sunshine recorded at Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin. With rather unsettled conditions during the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to remain below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be moderate or poor in the coming days due to frequent rainfall and showers and limited sunshine. The best opportunity will come Friday in Munster and much of south Leinster.
Spraying
There will be few opportunities for spraying in the coming days due to more unsettled conditions. There will be frequent spells of rain and showers with breezier conditions at times too.
Field Conditions
Despite recent heavy rain or showers, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are generally between 20 and 50mm across Leinster and much of Munster, leading to restriction to growth in places. SMDs are lower in other areas, ranging between -10 and 25mm. With more unsettled weather in the coming week, SMDs will decrease across the country. Soils in Connacht, Ulster and west Munster will become saturated with moderately to poorly drained soils becoming waterlogged. SMDs in the southeast will generally decrease to between 5 and 20mm.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur until Friday morning 4th September in many areas. Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
