Forecast issued at: Sunday 04th January 2026 11:00
Rain
Over the past seven days, rainfall amounts have been well below average nationwide. Amounts were highest in the north and west with 10 to 40% of the average amounts recorded. Malin Head, Co. Donegal recorded the most with 12.6mm. Amounts were 10% or less of the average amounts elsewhere with Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford staying completely dry. Further wintry showers are expected today (Sunday), tonight and tomorrow, (Monday) mainly in the north and west. More mixed conditions will then take hold. Overall, rainfall amounts will likely be around or slightly below normal for the eastern half fo the country but could be up to 250% of normal along Atlantic coasts.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were also well below average nationwide over the past week, ranging from 2.4 degrees at Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to 5.5 degrees at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. This equates to between 1.2 and 2.7 degrees below average for the time of year. Mean soil temperatures have been close to or below normal, ranging from 3.2 to 6 degrees. Cold conditions will continue though today (Sunday), tonight and tomorrow (Monday) with sharp to severe frosts but it will then be less cold Monday night and for the coming days. Overall, mean air temperatures will likely be around normal for Atlantic coastal areas but down to about 2 degrees below normal in the midlands and east. Mean soil temperatures will decrease further.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts varied over the country through the past week. Northern and western parts recorded the least with Bellmullet, Co. Mayo recorded just 4.5 hours (49% of its average). In the south and east, amounts were above normal with Dublin Airport recording the most with 21.4 hours (170% of its average). Sunny spells today (Sunday) and good spells of sunshine are expected tomorrow (Monday) but more mixed conditions will then lead to more normal or below normal sunshine amounts.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor for the coming week with cold conditions at first but spells of rain and showers as temperatures improve.
Spraying
There'll be good spraying opportunities today (Sunday) and especially tomorrow (Monday) away from wintry showers, mainly in the north and west and away from patchy rain in the south-west today. Spraying opportunities will then be more limited as more mixed conditions develop.
Field Conditions
Well and moderately drained soils have soil moisture deficits ranging from 0mm in the north-west to 7mm in the south and east. Poorly drained soils are generally saturated but are closer to being waterlogged in the northwest. A steady deterioration in soil conditions over the coming week will lead to poorly and moderately drained soils becoming saturated or waterlogged with eastern areas likely to fare the best.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
