Forecast issued at: Friday 13th March 2026 15:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts have varied over Ireland during the last 7 days. It was generally driest in the northwest and south with Roches Point, Co. Cork, recording the least amount of rain at 8.1mm (45% of average). In contrast, Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recorded 58mm (203% of average), with the far west, midlands and parts of the east seeing the highest rainfall totals. Unsettled conditions are likely to persist for much of the coming 7 days with a signal for high pressure to then become more dominant towards the end of the week. The highest rainfall accumulations are likely to be concentrated in the west and northwest with drier than average conditions forecast elsewhere.
Temperatures
Temperatures over the past week were close to or slightly above average for this time of year, ranging between 0.3 and 1.5 degrees above normal. It was mildest in the west with a mean air temperature of 8.5 degrees recorded at both Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, and Shannon Airport. It was coldest in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, with 6.8 degrees recorded. Temperatures in the week ahead will generally be above average by 1 or 2 degrees. Soil temperatures were above average over the last week, ranging between 1.9 and 2.5 degrees above normal, and are expected to see little change over the coming week.
Sunshine
Sunshine totals varied across the country over the past seven days. It was brightest in the east with a maximum of 37.3 hours of sunshine recorded at Dublin Airport with 37.1 (159% of average). It was dullest in the west with 16.3 hours of sunshine recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry (83% of average). The week ahead will bring mixed conditions with rain and showers interspersed by brighter spells. Overall, sunshine is likely to trend slightly above average in the south and east and below average in the west and north.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor over the coming days due to frequent showers and longer spells of rain.
Spraying
Spraying opportunities will generally be limited over the coming days due to frequent showers, longer spells of rain and breezy conditions.
Field Conditions
Most poorly-drained and some moderately-drained soils are waterlogged with all other soils saturated. With unsettled weather forecast to persist for the coming days, soils are expected to stay saturated or waterlogged. However, with a signal for a transition to more settled weather later in the week, there is likely to be a slight recovery in soil moisture deficits towards the end of the seven day outlook period.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
