Forecast issued at: Tuesday 17th March 2026 12:00
Rain
Over the past week, there have been variable rainfall amounts over Ireland, with above average amounts in most areas, but below average or close to, in the far south of both Munster and Leinster. Rainfall amounts of between 9.3mm and 18mm were recorded in those southern areas, which equates to between 53% and 89% of average, with the least amount at Roches Point, Co. Cork. Other areas received between one and a little over three times the average, with the highest totals across the midlands, with Gurteen, Co. Tipperary, receiving 54.3mm of rainfall, equating to 323% of average. There'll be some rain and drizzle in the short term, most persistent for a time in the west today (St. Patrick's Day). However, it'll become mainly dry and settled for the rest of the week from Wednesday. Early indications suggest the weather may turn more unsettled again from Monday onwards.
Temperatures
Over the past week, mean air temperatures came in around half a degree either side of normal, ranging from 5.6 degrees at Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo to 8.2 degrees at Valentia. Soil temperatures ranged from 6.2 degrees at Ireland West airport, Co. Mayo to 8.8 degrees at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry.It'll be fairly mild over the coming days with mean air temperatures forecast to be around 1 degrees above the March average. Turning somewhat cooler later in the weekend.
Sunshine
Sunshine amounts were around average during the past week. The highest amount of sunshine was recorded at Cork airport, where 27 hours was recorded, equating to 118% of average. The least amount of sunshine was recorded at Belmullet, Co. Mayo, where 17.3 hours was received, equating to 80% of average.The next 7 days look set to bring above average amounts of sunshine in most areas owing to the dominance of High Pressure. However, areas of mist and fog may linger in some areas later in the week.
Drying Conditions
Drying conditions will be good in many areas from later on Wednesday and through much of the remainder of the week as High Pressure builds over Ireland.
Spraying
There will be plenty of opportunities for spraying from Wednesday and through the remainder of the week as High Pressure builds bringing mostly dry weather along with light to moderate winds.
Field Conditions
Poorly drained soils remain waterlogged across most of the country but some improvement is expected later this week. Well drained and moderately drained soils are near saturation. Well drained soils may become trafficable later this week as high pressure builds bringing dry weather.
Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.
