Forecast issued at: Thursday 12th March 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts have varied over Ireland during the last 7 days. It was generally driest over the midwest and north-west with just 8.8mm recorded at Knock Airport in Co. Mayo. However further west 32.0mm was recorded at Bellmullet, Co. Mayo. The south-west saw the highest accumulations overall with 46.3mm recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. The weather will be unsettled for the next seven days and rainfall is expected to be above average across most of the country with the exception of the south and south-east with lower than average accumulations.
Temperatures
Temperatures over the past week were average for this time of year, ranging between 0.1 and 1.5 degrees above normal. It was mildest at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry with a temperature of 8.3 degrees. It was coldest in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath with 6.8 degrees recorded. Temperatures in the week ahead will be generally close to average for March. Soil temperatures were all generally above average across the country, ranging between 1.8 and 2.7 degrees above normal, and are expected to see little change over the next week.
Sunshine
Sunshine totals were above mostly normal or slightly above across the country. It was sunniest at Dublin Airport with 37.1 hours of sunshine. It was dullest at Gurteen, Co. Sligo with 15.3 hours of sunshine. The week ahead will bring mixed conditions with rain and showers intersperesed by brighter spells. Overall, sunshine is likely to trend slightly above average in the south and east and below average in the west and north.
Drying Conditions
Fairly poor drying over the coming days due to frequent showers and longer spells of rain.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited over the coming days due to frequent showers and longer spells of rain. Current indications suggest there may be an opportunity for spraying on Sunday or Monday.
Field Conditions
Most poorly-drained and some moderately-drained soils are saturated and locally waterlogged. Some light soils are trafficable, the best of which are in the east and northeast. As the weather will be unsettled this week, with spells of rain and showers, soil conditions will deteriorate and many poorly-drained soils will become waterlogged.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
