Another week of exceptionally wet conditions is ion the way, with Met Éireann forecasting rainfall totals up to three times the seasonal norm.

The national forecaster said that over the past week rainfall amounts were already well above average, ranging from 23.7 mm at Dublin Airport to 79 mm at Valentia Observatory in Cahirciveen, Kerry. That represented between 110 and 256 per cent of the long‑term average.

Looking ahead, Met Éireann expects rainfall to remain far above normal levels, with totals between 115 and 297 per cent of the average for mid‑December. Amounts will range from about 25 mm in the east to 90 mm along the west coast. Most of the rain is expected to fall between Saturday morning and midnight on Sunday.

Temperatures have also been running high for the time of year. Mean air readings last week ranged from 7.8 degrees at Knock Airport to 10.7 degrees at Valentia Observatory, between 2 and 3.6 degrees above average. Soil temperatures were similarly elevated, between 7.1 degrees in Mullingar and 9.5 degrees, again 2 to 3 degrees above normal. Both air and soil temperatures are forecast to stay above average in the coming week.

Sunshine has been scarce, with just 3.7 hours recorded in Belmullet, Co Mayo, and nine hours at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford. That equated to between 58 and 85 per cent of the average. Met Éireann said brighter spells should return at times in the coming days, bringing sunshine levels closer to normal.