Forecast issued at: Thursday 28th August 2025 11:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts were below normal in most areas over the past seven days but were higher than normal in parts of the southwest and east. The highest accumulation was 48.2mm at Valentia (180% of average) and the lowest was 9.5mm at Johnstown Castle (49% of average). Low pressure will bring unsettled weather during the coming week and rainfall amounts are forecast to be above normal nationwide. Highest amounts of rain are forecast for the west and southwest, with over 50mm possible.
Temperatures
Air temperatures were above normal across the country over the past seven days, with mean values between 15.7 and 17.5 degrees. It will be cooler over the next week, as temperatures return to normal or just below, and mean temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees are expected. Soil temperatures are currently several degrees above normal, ranging between 16.4 and 19.1 degrees.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were slightly above normal in the east and south over the past seven days, but below normal across the rest of the country. It was sunniest at Johnstown Castle, with 44.9 sunshine hours, and dullest at Knock Airport, with just 10.9 hours of sunshine. The weather will be unsettled over the coming days so sunshine amounts are likely to be lower than average.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor over the coming week with a mix of showers and longer spells of rain forecast.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will be limited due to frequent showers or longer spells of rain, combined with blustery winds.
Field Conditions
Currently, most soils are dry and trafficable. They are driest in the south and southeast where soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are up to 58mm with restrictions to growth in these areas. Due to unsettled weather, SMDs are forecast to increase over the next seven days. Moderately and poorly drained soils will become saturated or waterlogged in the southwest, west, northwest and midlands. Soils will remain drier in other areas, with SMDs ranging between +20 and +50mm.
Further Comments
A blight advisory is in effect from Thursday afternoon (28th August) until Friday (29th August) evening. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will affect the west and north of the country. Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on www.met.ie -> Forecasts -> Blight Forecast. Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
