Easnaimh Thaise na hIthreach

Forecast issued at: Thursday 19th May 2022 13:00

Rain

Over the past week, rainfall amounts were close to or above average for much of the country. It was drier than average in parts of the south and southwest with Shannon Airport, Roche's Point and Cork airport recording 11.5mm, 11.8mm and 14.3mm respectively which is approximately 80% of their averages. Elsewhere, amounts ranged from 14.1mm to 26.2mm which is 92% to 164% of normal, highest generally along southwestern, western, northern and eastern coasts. The coming week will be largely unsettled with further rain and showers with much of the country expected to record between 20 and 60mm (2 to 2.5 times the average), highest generally in the west and southwest.

Temperatures

Over the past week, mean air temperatures ranged from 12 to 13.5 degrees in most areas, which is 1 to 2.5 degrees above average. Mean soil temperatures were 2 to 3.5 degrees above average, ranging from 12 to 15 degrees. Over the coming week, mean air temperatures are expected to be closer to normal, ranging from 11 to 13 degrees with is normal or a degree above for most. Some eastern parts however will be up to 2 degrees above average. Soil temperatures will continue to be well above average though there might be a slight decline on the previous week.

Sunshine

Sunshine hours over the past week ranged from 23.3 hours (Cork Airport) to 44 hours (Casement Aerodrome). Most stations reported around average amounts, however, some southern parts ranged between 50 to 70% of their averages. While there will be good sunny spells at times over the coming week, with the predominately unsettled conditions, sunshine amounts will likely range below average over the coming week.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions in the coming week will generally be poor with rain or showers expected. The best opportunities will be for Leinster and the midlands on Saturday outside of isolated showers though winds will just be light or moderate so drying conditions will be more moderate.

Spraying

Opportunities for spraying in the coming week will be limited due to the rain and showers and breezy conditions at times. There will be some moderate opportunities on Sunday for Leinster and the midlands outside of showers.

Field Conditions

All soil types across the southern half of the country, apart from the far southwest, as well as eastern parts have deficits ranging from 20 to 35mm. Amounts in north Connacht, north midlands and west Ulster along with the far southwest are closer to saturation levels with some moderately and poorly drained soils waterlogged. With above average rainfall expected over the coming week, deficits will decrease across all soil types with more poorly drained soils in the northwest becoming waterlogged with more reaching saturation across all soil types. Elsewhere, deficits will range to 30mm with the largest deficits remaining over the southern half of the country.