Forecast issued at: Tuesday 07th April 2026 15:00
Rain
Over the past seven days, rainfall amounts varied significantly across the country, with the west and northwest receiving above average rainfall, while it was drier in the south and east, where amounts were generally below average. The least amount of rainfall was recorded at Roches Point, Co. Cork, which received only 6mm or 39% of average, while the highest amount, 58.2mm or 305% of normal, was recorded at Belmullet, Co. Mayo. The next 7 days will bring spells of rain and showers with overall totals likely to be around or above the April average, with weekly rainfall totals of around 15-25mm expected widely. It is likely to be wettest in Atlantic coastal margins where up to 50mm is possible.
Temperatures
Mean air temperatures over the past week were mostly around the climatological average, with values ranging from 7.1 to 9.3 degrees. Mean soil temperatures have been above normal by between one and three degrees, ranging from 7.1 degrees to 10.4 degrees. The coming week will see fluctuations between milder and cooler than average conditions, overall likely averaging around normal. Mean soil temperatures will remain above average.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts over the past week were below normal in most areas with the exception of some eastern and southeastern coastal fringes. Belmullet in County Mayo received the least amount of sunshine, with just 19.9 hours recorded or 65% of the norm. It was sunnest in Johnstown Castle in County Wexford where 33.8 hours of sunshine was recorded, 109% of the norm. Over the coming week, the weather will be mixed, and while there'll be sunny spells at times, sunshine amounts likely to come in a little below average.
Drying Conditions
There will be good drying nationwide for much of the day on Wednesday. Some moderate drying between showers is possible on Thursday. Drying conditions will deteriorate mostly poor for Friday and much of the weekend.
Spraying
Wednesday will be the best day for spraying this week with dry conditions and just moderate breezes. Spraying opportunities will be limited for the remainder of the week.
Field Conditions
Light and moderately drained soils in the south and east are trafficable, but otherwise light and moderately drained soils are saturated. Many poorly drained soils are saturated or waterlogged, though conditions are a little better in some southern and eastern coastal parts, with soil moisture deficits in poorly drained soils here currently between 2mm and 11mm. With moderate amounts of rain forecast this week, soils look set to improve slightly with more well and moderately drained soils becoming trafficable. Some poorly drained soils in the south and east may improve by the end of the period too becoming trafficable while soils in the north and west will remain saturated or waterlogged.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
