Forecast issued at: Wednesday 29th April 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts for the last seven days were well below average across the country with all stations recording less than 3mm which equations to 17% or less of the average for the time of year. Claremorris, Co. Mayo recorded the most with 2.9mm while Casement Aerodrome recorded no rainfall. It will continue dry for today Wednesday before more unsettled conditions develop. Much of Ulster, north Connacht and north and east Leinster will likely see drier than normal conditions with 75% or less of their average. Elsewhere it will likely be wetter with between 120 and 225% of the average expected.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week have been above average, especially in the west and northwest. Temperatures ranged between 9.5 degrees at Dublin Airport to 12.8 degrees at Valentia. This equates to between 0.3 and 3.5 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures were well above normal, ranging from 9.8 to 12.9 degrees which is between 2 to 4 degrees above normal. Over the coming week, temperatures will fluctuate but will generally be around normal or a degree above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts away from the south-west were close to or above normal. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry recorded the least with 34 hours which is 90% of its average. Malin Head, Co. Donegal recorded the most with 67 hours which is 174% of its average. There will be sunny spells today (Wednesday) but overall, sunshine amounts will be below normal for the coming week.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will become more limited from Thursday onwards but there will be very good opportunities today (Wednesday) with plenty of sunshine and a moderate to fresh easterly breeze.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will also be limited from Thursday onwards with more unsettled conditions but will generally be good today (Wednesday).
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for moderately and well drained soils currently range from 19mm in parts of the midlands to 34mm in parts of the east while SMDs for poorly drained soils range from 12mm in parts of the midlands to 32mm in parts of the east. Over the coming week, there will be little change in eastern and northern areas, SMDs elsewhere will decrease with some soils in the southwest, midwest and west becoming saturated or waterlogged.
