Rainfall across most of the country was below normal during the past week, according to Met Éireann’s latest farming commentary. The exception was parts of the east, where totals were close to or slightly above average.

The driest conditions were recorded at Oak Park in Co Carlow, which measured 5.6 millimetres of rain, equal to 28 per cent of the long-term average. Claremorris in Co Mayo recorded 24.4 millimetres or 85 per cent of average. Casement Aerodrome in Co Dublin reported 19.6 millimetres, which is 114 per cent of normal.

A short drier spell is expected on Monday and Tuesday, but the overall pattern for the coming week will be unsettled with further rain and showers. Over the next seven days, rainfall totals are forecast to range from around average to twice the normal amount, between roughly 20 and 65 millimetres, wettest in the west and southwest. Some parts of the midlands and south may receive slightly below average totals.

Temperatures were colder than normal over the past week. Mean air temperatures ranged from 4 to 7 degrees Celsius, between one and three degrees below average. Soil temperatures varied from 5.5 degrees at Casement Aerodrome to 9 degrees at both Shannon Airport and Valentia.

The coming week will be less cold, with mean air temperatures expected to range from 6 to 11 degrees, broadly around average in many areas, a little below normal in parts of the north midlands, and up to two degrees above in some northern counties.

Sunshine levels varied widely. Malin Head recorded 8.5 hours or 76 per cent of average, while Cork Airport was the sunniest location with 28.4 hours or 180 per cent.

Drying conditions will remain mostly poor through the weekend. Met Éireann expects conditions to improve on Monday and Tuesday before deteriorating again later in the week.

Spraying conditions will be limited. Some opportunities are expected today in northern areas, but Met Éireann says conditions will worsen tomorrow due to wet and windy weather. Spraying will improve later on Monday and remain favourable on Tuesday before declining sharply from Wednesday.

Soils remain saturated or waterlogged in many regions. Met Éireann expects little change in field conditions over the coming week.