Forecast issued at: Wednesday 21st October 2026 13:00
Rain
Over the past week, rainfall amounts were generally below average across the country, ranging from 51% to 157% of average for this time of year. Knock/Ireland West Airport was the wettest station, and the exception, with 47.1mm recorded, or 157% of average. It was driest in central counties with only around half the usual rainfall recorded. With unsettled conditions forecast over the coming week, rainfall amounts are expected to be well above average nationwide with 2 to 3 times the average amounts of rainfall forecast.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past seven days were close to or below average, with values ranging from 8.6 degrees to 11.2 degrees. This equates to between 1.4 degrees below and 0.2 degrees above average for this time of year. Soil temperatures were above average, ranging from 10.2 to 13.2 degrees, which is between 0.5 and 2.3 degrees above average. For the coming week, mean air temperatures are forecast to continue close to or below average ranging from 9 to 13 degrees. While mean soil temperatures are expected to decrease slightly, they are likely to continue above average for the time of year.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were above average across the country, ranging between 128% to 197% of average. Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin, recorded the least amount of sunshine with 29.6 hours while Belmullet, Co. Mayo recorded the most with 38.4 hours. Unsettled weather conditions are expected over the coming week with sunshine amounts forecast to be close to or below average for this time of year.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be poor over the coming week with rain and showers forecast each day.
Spraying
There will be limited opportunities for spraying over the coming week with frequent spells of rain, showers and blustery conditions.
Field Conditions
Most well and moderately drained soils are saturated while poorly drained soils nationwide are waterlogged, with Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) generally ranging from -10mm to 0mm. With unsettled conditions forecast over the coming week, SMDs will decrease further with some moderately drained soils becoming waterlogged. The remaining moderately drained soils and well drained soils are expected to be saturated while poorly drained soils will remain waterlogged.
