Easnaimh Thaise na hIthreach

Forecast issued at: Wednesday 23rd May 2018 14:00

Rain

Connacht, much of Munster and west and central parts of Ulster had above average rainfall, mainly due to heavy rainfall during Sunday into Monday. But we had drier conditions further east with values of between 20 and 40 % of normal through Leinster and parts of east Ulster. Overall rainfall is expected to be well below normal in the week ahead but there is a risk of some thundery downpours in places later in the weekend and early next week which could yield significant amounts locally

Temperatures

Mean air temperatures over the past week were around normal with soils temperatures 1 to 2 degrees above average. The week ahead is expected to be warm, with mean temperatures of 3 or 4 degrees Celsius above the average in most places about 1 or 2 above along coasts especially south, east and north. Soil temperatures will rise also.

Sunshine

Sunshine values were around average last week a bit above in some areas. Sunshine totals are expected to be well-above normal over the next few days but as humidities increase we will probably see more cloud through the week, but overall sunshine figures should be well above average for the end of May.

Drying Conditions

Good drying conditions are expected outside of any showery episodes.

Spraying

Good outside of showers, through wind may be a slight issue in some places on Friday. A risk of conditions conducive to spread of potato blight on parts of the south and southeast coasts over the weekend.

Field Conditions

Field conditions and trafficability have been good in the main recently. All soils are trafficable bar some poorly drained soils in the west. Not much change expected overall in the coming days but localised thundery downpours from Saturday could have an effect on conditions locally.