Forecast issued at: Monday 18th May 2026 16:30
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past week were close to or above average for much of the country, ranging between 100%and 168% of average. The exception was south Munster and south Leinster where totals were between 18% and 84% of average. It was wettest in the north midlands and west with 25.7mm recorded at both Knock Airport, Co. Mayo and Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. Significantly drier in the south with 2.6mm recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork. It will be generally unsettled over the coming week with rain and showers most days. Drier conditions will develop at the weekend. Rainfall amounts will be above average for most areas as a result, but will be closer to or below average in some southeastern areas.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures were below average across the country during the past week, ranging between 8.7 and 10.7 degrees, which is 0.7 to 2.1 degrees below average. In contrast, mean soil temperatures were above average during the past week by 0.5 to 1.8 degrees, ranging from 10.1 degrees to 13.3 degrees. Mean air temperatures will increase as this week progresses, rising to between 1 and 3 degrees higher than normal. Mean soils temperatures will increase also.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were generally below average over the past week, with the exception of some northern and eastern areas. It was dullest in the south with 29.5 hours of sunshine recorded at Cork Airport (69% of average). Much brighter in northern areas with 50.6 hours of sunshine recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal (119% of average). With more unsettled conditions for the coming week, sunshine amounts will generally be below normal but they will increase next weekend.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be limited due to rain and showers at times. Drying will likely improve over the weekend.
Spraying
Similarly, spraying opportunities will be limited for the coming days due to rain and showers. There will be some opportunities for spraying between showers on Wednesday and spraying opportunities will improve at the weekend.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for all soil types range from around 13mm to 51mm, highest in the east with some restriction to growth. With above average rainfall expected over the coming week, SMDs will decrease countrywide. SMDs will fall to between 0 and 25mm for most areas, with poorly drained soils in the north-west becoming saturated. However, soils in southeastern areas will remain drier with SMDs of 25 to 40mm.
Further Comments
A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in some parts of the west, south and midlands on Tuesday afternoon and evening (19th May), becoming more widespread from Thursday (21st May) until Saturday (23rd May). There will be very limited opportunities for spraying between showers on Tuesday morning (19th May), with better opportunities for spraying on Wednesday (20th May). Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on www.met.ie -> Forecast -> Blight Forecast.
