Easnaimh Thaise na hIthreach

Forecast issued at: Thursday 21st October 2021 14:00

Rain

Over the past 7 days, rainfall amounts have been below normal over much of the country with most places seeing 50 to 80% of their respective averages, which equates to 11 to 22mm. However, eastern coastal areas were closer to normal and amounts in southern, western and northern coastal areas ranged from 120 to 200%, 37 to 60mm, highest in Malin Head. After largely dry conditions today and tomorrow, unsettled conditions for the weekend and into next week, over the next 7 days, rainfall amounts will likely be 1.5 to 2.5 times the average for the time of year. The exception is the southwest which will see the driest conditions and could see below average amounts.

Temperatures

The past week has been milder than average throughout the country with mean air temperatures widely of 2 to 3 degrees above their respective averages, ranging from 11 to 14 degrees. However, in the north and northwest, stations recorded 0.8 to 1.5 degrees above normal. Mean soil temperatures have also been well above normal, mostly 3 to 4.5 degrees above average (12 to 14.5 degrees). Slightly cooler than recently today and tomorrow but from the weekend and into the weekend, milder conditions will develop. Mean air temperatures over the coming week will likely be around 1 to 2.5 degrees above average (11 to 14 degrees). Mean soil temperatures may decrease slightly but will continue to stay above their averages.

Sunshine

It has been quite dull overall over the past week with most stations recording between 40 to 80% of the normal amounts. It was very dull in the southeast though with just 2.6 hours recorded (12% of the average). Despite good sunshine amounts today, there will be more cloud around tomorrow and over the coming week with mostly unsettled conditions, sunshine amounts will likely be below normal.

Drying Conditions

There will be moderate drying on Friday away from scattered showers which will mainly be in the morning. Drying will be fairly poor thereafter due to the unsettled weather conditions with frequent spells of wet weather.

Spraying

There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the next 7 days due to rain, showers and overall breezy conditions. Friday will be the best day for spraying, especially in the afternoon with a combination of mostly dry weather and light to moderate winds.

Field Conditions

Most soils are saturated with most poorly drained soils waterlogged as well as moderately drained soils in the southwest and northwest. The exception are soils in eastern central and southern Leinster which have soil moisture deficits of 25 to 30mm. Over the coming week, well drained soils will remain mostly saturated and the majority of soils will remain saturated with most poorly drained soils remaining waterlogged and most moderately drained soils becoming waterlogged. All soil types in eastern central to southern parts of Leinster will remain above saturation level, but their soil moisture deficits will decrease.