Forecast issued at: Thursday 26th February 2026 12:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts varied across the country over the past week, with amounts generally ranging from between one and around twice the average, though rainfall came in below average in some southern parts. It was wettest across the midwest and parts of the midlands, with 35.1 mm recorded at Gurteen, Co. Tipperary and 35mm recorded at Shannon airport, Co. Clare. It was driest in the south, with 11.8mm or 64% of average rainfall recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork. Over the coming week, our weather will be mixed, with further rain and showers, heaviest in the west and south-west on Sunday, and with some heavy rain possible again towards the end of the period. There'll be some drier weather too to end the week and start the weekend, and with pressure signalled to build for a time during early next week, giving a drier spell. Accumulated totals of between 1 and 2 times the weekly normal are forecast in general, with the highest totals of between 40 and 60mm expected in the southwest and west.
Temperatures
It was milder than average nationwide over the past week, with mean air temperatures ranging from 8.7 to 10.8 degrees Celsius, which equates to between 2 and over 4 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures were also above average in all areas, ranging between 6.5 and 9.4 degrees, which is around 2 or 3 degrees above normal. Mean air temperatures will fluctuate a little over the coming week, with some alternating colder and milder spells, with some frost Friday night and likely again early next week. Overall, mean air temperatures will come in around average, ranging from between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average.
Sunshine
It has been duller than average across the country over the past seven days, dullest in the east and south, a little brighter further west. Sunshine amounts have varied from between 7.5 hours or 40% of average at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford to 13.5 hours or 75% of normal at Shannon airport, Co. Clare. With mixed weather over the coming week, there'll be some brighter and sunnier interludes at times, with overall sunshine amounts likely to come in around average.
Drying Conditions
With mixed and often unsettled conditions, drying conditions will generally be poor for much of the coming week. However, there'll be some better drying tomorrow and at times early next week.
Spraying
There be some opportunities for spraying on Friday, early Saturday and again on Tuesday.
Field Conditions
All poorly drained soils and some moderately drained soils are waterlogged, while all other soils are saturated. Over the coming week, there will be little change to soil conditions, with just a very slight improvement signalled.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
