Easnaimh Thaise na hIthreach

Forecast issued at: Saturday 21st September 2019 14:00

Rain

Rainfall has been below average across the country this past week. It was driest in the southeast with between 3 to 6% of average rainfall recorded here. In the northern midlands and parts of the east, 30-75% of normal amounts were recorded, mainly from last Sunday's rain. A transition to more unsettled conditions over this weekend which will persist through next week will result in significant rainfall accumulations in some parts. There is still uncertainty in the details at this stage, but it is likely to be wetter than normal for most of the country with current indications suggesting amounts between 145 and 270 % of the norm over the 7-day period.

Temperatures

Soil temperatures are generally between 1 and 3 degrees above average. Mean air temperatures over the last week have been near average varying one degree above to one degree below normal. Temperatures this coming week will be close to average or slightly above average, mainly due to milder nights.

Sunshine

The past week has seen well above normal sunshine across the country due to high pressure conditions. Sunshine values are expected to decline over the coming week with increasing amounts of cloud due to unsettled weather combined with shorter days.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions are expected to deteriorate as more unsettled weather sets in over the coming week.

Spraying

Opportunities will be limited over the coming week due to generally unsettled conditions.

Field Conditions

Some restriction to growth in parts of Leinster and Munster this week with soil moisture deficits of 20 to 40mm. This will improve somewhat over the coming week. Soils will, however, become saturated again in parts of the north and west.