Forecast issued at: Friday 27th March 2026 11:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts varied across the country over the past week. While they were above average in parts of the midlands, they were generally below average in other areas. The highest rainfall was recorded at Mullingar, Co. Westmeath where 34.4mm (204% of average) fell. In contrast, only 6.4mm (36% of average) fell at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Rainfall amounts are generally expected to be below average in the coming week, apart from in parts of the west and northwest where they are expected to be above average. The least rainfall is expected in parts of the south and southeast where less than 20-40% of average is forecast.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were generally around or slightly below average during the past week. The highest mean air temperature was 8.5 degrees recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. The lowest mean air temperature was 6.4 degrees (approximately average) recorded at at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. Mean soil temperatures were also above average during the past week by between around 2 and 3.5 degrees. Mean air temperatures are expected to be a degree or so above average for the coming week, ranging from 8 to 10 degrees. Mean soil temperatures are also expected to remain above average for the coming week.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were above average nationwide during the past week, ranging from 106% to 133% of average. The most sunshine was recorded at Cork Airport, Co. Cork where there was 35.3 hours (133% of average). The least sunshine was recorded at Gurteen, Co. Tipperary where was 25 hours. While mixed conditions are forecast for the coming week, sunshine amounts should remain around average.
Drying Conditions
Showers or more persistent spells of rain mean drying conditions will be limited. The best conditions are likely to be today or Saturday. However, while there will be dry spells and breezy conditions outside of showers and rain, low temperatures mean any drying conditions with be moderate at best.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will be limited by showers or more persistent spells of rain together with breezy conditions.
Field Conditions
While some moderately drained soils are saturated, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for moderately and well-drained soils generally range from -1mm to 5mm. They are expected to increase during the coming week, ranging from 0mm to 11mm across the country, highest in the southeast. Most poorly drained soils are saturated with a slight improvement expected in the coming week.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
