Easnaimh Thaise na hIthreach

Forecast issued at: Saturday 31st July 2021 13:00

Rain

Rainfall amounts varied widely depending on location over the past week due to the localised nature of heavy showers. Eastern counties experienced twice the normal rainfall for the time of year with 30 to 40mm. In contrast, some areas in the midwest and west only recorded around 10mm accounting for around half the usual amount here. Patchy light rain today will give way to isolated showers tomorrow (Sunday), with rain in the west and southwest on Monday, and longer spells of rain more widely midweek. Expect 30 to 40mm in the west and southwest in the coming week, with 20 to 30mm more generally elsewhere. This is above average for early August.

Temperatures

The recent spell of hot weather has ended but the west was still around 1 degree above average for the past week. Temperatures were average in the midlands and east. Mean air temperatures, over the past seven days were between 15 and 17 degrees. Soil temperatures are currently around 3 degrees above normal. A cooler airmass has now moved down over Ireland and this is going to bring near or slightly below average temperatures over the coming week. Mean air temperatures of 15 degrees are forecast. Soil temperatures will also likely decrease by 2 or 3 degrees over the coming week due to cooler and duller conditions.

Sunshine

Sunshine values were well above average across the south of the country over the last week, with between 1 and 1.5 times the average here. Slighter duller further north, with just about average sunshine. This weekend and much of the coming week will be rather dull overall, with just occasional bright or sunny spells. Sunshine amounts will be well below average for the coming week.

Drying Conditions

Drying opportunities will be moderate or poor over much of the coming week due to the dull conditions with light winds over the weekend and rain on the way next week. Best drying is this evening and tomorrow (Sunday).

Spraying

Spraying opportunities will be quite limited next week with unsettled conditions but there is an opportunity over the northern half of the country this afternoon, and in most areas on Sunday, and in the east on Monday.

Field Conditions

Growth will continue to be restricted in all soil types with soil moisture deficits ranging from 15 to 65mm. Rainfall forecast for the coming week will decrease soil moisture deficits in all areas, but they will still remain positive countrywide.