Forecast issued at: Friday 10th April 2026 15:00
Rain
Over the past seven days, rainfall amounts were close to or above normal across the northwestern half of the country (100 to 285% of normal), with drier than normal conditions in the south and east (30 to 90% of normal). Belmullet, Co. Mayo recorded the most with 52.7mm while Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded just 5.2mm. Over the coming week, mostly unsettled conditions are expected with above average rainfall likely nationwide, generally between 150 and 350% of normal for most, higher in the far west.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week ranged between 6.9 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo and 9.8 degrees at Roche's Point, Co. Cork. This equates to between 1.4 degrees below normal in the far west to 1.6 degrees above normal in the far southeast. Mean soil temperatures ranged between 6.4 and 10.8 degrees which is between 0.4 and 3 degrees above the average. Over the coming week, temperatures will fluctuate but overall will likely range between 7 and 10 degrees which is close to or slightly above normal values. Mean soil temperatures will continue above normal.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were above average in parts of the east and south-east but otherwise were below normal, though only slightly for most. Belmullet, Co. Mayo recorded the least with 24.4 hours (76% of normal) while Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the most with 41.4 hours. There will be good sunny spells at times, especially for Sunday and Monday but with generally unsettled conditions, sunshine amounts will generally be below average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be limited due to mostly unsettled conditions.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will also be limited. The best opportunities in the coming days looks to be later Sunday and early Monday as winds ease and showers become more isolated.
Field Conditions
Well and moderate drained soils are currently saturated or close to it in the north-west but with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) up to 10 to 20mm in parts of the south and east. Poorly drained soils are saturated or close to waterlogged in the northwestern half of the country with SMDs up to 5 to 15mm in parts of the south and east. Over the coming week with above average rainfall expected, all well and moderately drained soils will become saturated or close to it while most poorly drained soils will become waterlogged or close to it.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
