Forecast issued at: Tuesday 24th March 2026 15:00
Rain
Rainfall amounts over the past seven days have been below normal across the country with most stations recording less than 50% of their annual rainfall for this time of year. Belmullet, Co. Mayo, recorded the most with 11.1mm (51% of its average) while Oak Park, Co. Carlow, recorded the least with just 0.4mm (3% of its average). The coming week will be more unsettled with rain or showers most days though there will be drier intervals too. Overall, rainfall amounts will likely range between 10 and 40mm for most which roughly equates to between 0.5 and 1.5 times the normal values. However, there will be some heavier bursts in showers on Wednesday which could lead to localised heavier falls.
Temperatures
The past week has been milder than normal with mean air temperatures ranging from 7.7 degrees at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan to 9.4 degrees at both Shannon Airport, Co. Clare and Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. This equates to between 0.7 and 2.3 degrees above the average. Mean soil temperatures were also well above normal by 2.3 and 3.7 degrees, ranging from 7.3 and 9.8 degrees. Mean air temperatures will continue above normal by 1 or 2 degrees for the coming week. Mean soil temperatures will continue above average.
Sunshine
It was sunnier than average nationwide over the past week, with sunshine amounts ranging between 144 and 171% of average. Both Gurteen, Co. Tipperary, and Belmullet, Co. Mayo, recorded the least with 36.2 hours while Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford recorded the most with 42 hours. The more unsettled conditions over the coming week will mean a reduction in sunshine amounts but there still will be good sunny spells at times. Overall, sunshine amounts will likely be near or below normal with southern and southeastern areas likely to experience the most.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be limited by rain or showers. The driest conditions will likely be on Friday and Saturday away from showers with moderate to fresh northwesterly winds.
Spraying
Spraying conditions will also be limited.
Field Conditions
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) for well and moderately drained soils currently range between 4 and 11mm. Most poorly drained soils are saturated or close to it but with SMDs up to 5mm in parts of the south and east. With mostly unsettled conditions in the days ahead, soil conditions will largely deteriorate with most poorly drained soils becoming saturated or waterlogged though some southern and southeastern parts may fare better. In well and moderately drained soils, SMDs in the south and southeast will show a slight improvement ranging between 5 and 12mm but elsewhere will be saturated or close to it.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
