Latest Farming Commentary

Forecast issued at: Tuesday 02nd December 2025 15:00

Rain

Rainfall amounts over the past week were generally near to or above average. Valentia Observatory had the highest accumulation among the reporting stations, recording 71.8mm of rain which equates to 186% of its average, while Roches Point recorded the lowest accumulation with 21.9mm or 98% of its average. The coming week will remain unsettled and changeable with spells of rain and showers extending from the Atlantic. Rainfall totals will be above average countrywide, with between 2 and 3 times the average predicted for most places. The highest rainfall accumulations will be in west Connacht and West Munster where between 70 and 90mm is predicted over the next 7 days. Elsewhere, rainfall totals will range from 40 to 60mm, generally.

Temperatures

Mean air temperatures over the past week were close to average for the time of year, ranging from 6.0 to 8.9 degrees across reporting stations. Soil temperatures were either close to or slightly above average ranging from 6 to 9 degrees. Over the coming week, mean air temperatures are expected to be between 2 and 3 degrees above average for much of the country, ranging from 7 to 11 degrees. Soil temperatures will likely increase a little over the week also.

Sunshine

Sunshine amounts were above average at most of the recording stations around the country over the past 7 days although they were slightly below average along the Atlantic coast. Sunshine hours ranged from 9.2 hours at Belmullet, Co. Mayo, (90% of average) to 19.4 hours at Johnstown Castle (142% of average). Over the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to trend closer to or below average with unsettled and changeable conditions forecast, especially near Atlantic coasts.

Drying Conditions

Drying conditions will remain poor throughout the coming week due to the frequent occurrence of rain or showers. Limited sunshine and saturated ground will further restrict drying potential.

Spraying

Spraying opportunities will remain limited, due to unsettled and, at times, breezy conditions.

Field Conditions

Soils remain saturated nationwide, with poorly drained soils fully waterlogged. No improvements in soil moisture deficits are expected during the coming week, with saturated conditions persisting across all soil types.

Forecast maps and meteograms can be found on Blight Forecast.

Agricultural Data Graphs

Soil Moisture Deficits

Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) in (mm) are calculated for three classes of soil: well drained, moderately drained and poorly drained. For further information on how Soil Moisture Deficits are calculated, click here.