Forecast issued at: Wednesday 27th May 2026 14:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts were normally below average over the last week, ranging between 15 to 79% of average. Mount Dillon, Co. Roscommon recorded the least with just 1.9mm. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry recorded the highest amount with 16.8mm. Conditions are expected to turn more unsettled from this evening with spells of rain or showers forecast over the coming week. Most areas are expected to see twice the normal amount of rainfall, ranging between 25 to 60mm.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week ranged from 13.3 to 16.8 degrees,which equates to 2.1 to 4.9 degrees above normal. It was warmest at Shannon Airport with 16.8 degrees recorded, and coldest further north with 13.5 degrees recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal. Soil temperatures all remained above average ranging between 12 to 18 degrees. In the coming week, temperatures are expected to return closer to average for this time of year as we move into a more Atlantic regime. Soil temperatures are expected to reduce slightly but remain above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amount were all above average across the country for the last 7 days, with the exception of the north-west with averages ranging between 70 to 80 %. Casement Aerodrome recorded the highest amount of sunshine with 63.8hours. Bellmullet, Co. Mayo, recorded the least with only 29 hours. Conditions are forecast to become cloudier over the next week, so it is expected that sunshine amounts will average if not below.
Drying Conditions
There will be good drying conditions today with dry and sunny conditions. In the afternoon, drying conditions may be lower with the development of thunderstorms in the south. Conditions will then deteriorate on Thursday and over the coming weekend but there will be further opportunities on Friday.
Spraying
There will be good opportunities for spraying today. Conditions will then deteriorate on Thursday and over the coming weekend but there will be some opportunities on Friday.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soil types generally range from around 15mm in parts of the north-west to around 61mm in parts of the east. SMDs will increase during the coming week, ranging from 15 to 70mm. Trafficability will increase, but there will also be some restriction to growth.
Further Comments
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have issued a Condition Orange Fire Danger Notice until 12pm 29/05/26. Arising from current weather patterns and high temperatures a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
