Forecast issued at: Thursday 21st August 2025 12:00
Rain
The past seven days have been drier than average across the country, with rainfall amounts ranging from 0% to 24% of average. It was driest in the east and north with 0mm recorded at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan, Oak Park, Co. Carlow, and Malin Head, Co. Donegal. Slightly more rainfall was recorded in the west with 5.9mm recorded at Knock Airport. The coming days will be largely dry with occasional showers but it will turn more unsettled from Tuesday onwards. As a result, rainfall will increase nationwide, with close to or above average for most areas. The wettest regions will likely be coastal counties.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures for the past seven days were above average across the country by between 0.8 and 3.3 degrees, ranging between 15.7 degrees in the north to 18.4 degrees in the southwest. Mean soil temperatures are well above average, ranging between 16.9 and 20.6 degrees, which is 2.9 to 4.8 degrees above average. Air temperatures will decrease slightly in the week ahead but will still be around average to 2 degrees above. Soil temperatures will remain above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were above average across most of the country during the past seven days, with the exception of the southwest. It was brightest in the north with 56.4 hours of sunshine recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal (185% of average). In contrast, 21.3 hours were recorded at Cork Airport (59% of average). While there will be sunny spells at times early in the coming week, overall cloud cover will increase. Sunshine amounts will likely be close to or slightly below average as a result.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be good until Monday evening, though there will be occasional showers. Poor drying conditions are expected from Tuesday onwards with outbreaks of rain.
Spraying
There will be opportunities for spraying for the end of the week and this weekend with long dry intervals and generally light to moderate winds. Spraying opportunities will be limited from Tuesday onwards.
Field Conditions
Currently, all soils are dry and trafficable with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging from 12mm to 66mm. Soils are driest in the east and south with restriction to growth in these areas. There will be little change to soil conditions in the coming seven days, though a marginal decrease is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday as conditions become more unsettled.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
