Forecast issued at: Friday 22nd August 2025 13:00
Rain
The past seven days have been drier than average across the country, with less than 2mm recorded across the country (less than 10% of average). The weekend will be largely dry with occasional showers but it will turn more unsettled from Monday onwards. As a result, rainfall will increase nationwide, with above average rainfall for most. However, rainfall will remain below average in the north and northeast.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures for the past seven days were above average across the country by between 0.2 and 3 degrees, ranging between 15.4 degrees in the east to 18.2 degrees in the southwest. Mean soil temperatures are well above average, ranging between 16.8 and 20.2 degrees, which is 2.8 to 4.2 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 60.1 hours of sunshine recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal (197% of average). In contrast, 20.1 hours were recorded at Valentia, Co. Kerry (65% of average). While there will be sunny spells at times this weekend, overall cloud cover will increase. Sunshine amounts will likely be below average as a result.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will generally be good until Monday afternoon, 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 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 14mm to 67mm. Soils are driest in the east and south with restriction to growth in these areas. There will be little change to soil conditions at first in the coming seven days. However, a decrease in SMDs is likely from Tuesday onwards as conditions become more unsettled. Soils in the west and southwest will be close to saturation.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
