Reprieve in sight for farmers following Easter rains

Drying conditions are set to improve significantly from midweek next week, as high pressure begins to dominate Ireland’s weather pattern.

After heavy rainfall on Friday, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) have dropped considerably, following what had been an exceptionally dry start to April.

Until Thursday, all soils across the country remained trafficable.

However, conditions have deteriorated markedly over the past 24 hours.

Over 40 mm of rain was recorded at Roches Point in Cork in just one day—representing around 60% of the station’s average monthly rainfall for April.

According to Met Éireann in its latest farming commentary, “Up to the end of yesterday (Thursday), all soils were trafficable with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging from 5mm to 45mm generally, highest in the west and southwest. SMDs will decrease significantly through today and during the Easter weekend with most soils becoming saturated or slow to it while poorly drained soils particularly near coasts may become waterlogged.”

Drier conditions expected from midweek next week should allow for some recovery in soil conditions.

Met Éireann notes that spraying opportunities will remain limited, though some may arise on Sunday—particularly outside western areas—and again later in the week.

Soil temperatures are forecast to stay above average throughout the coming week.