Reprieve for farmers as dry spell takes hold
The past week brought wetter-than-average conditions to most parts of the country, apart from the West Midlands.
The east was notably wet, with Casement Aerodrome in Co. Dublin recording 67.8mm of rain—nearly five times the seasonal norm (469% of average). In contrast, Gurteen, Co. Tipperary saw the lowest rainfall at just 11.3mm (68% of average).
Looking ahead, a much drier week is in store as high pressure becomes established. While there will be the odd light shower or patch of drizzle, most regions can expect less than 10mm of rainfall—welcome news for farmers seeking a chance to catch up on fieldwork.
Temperature Trends
According to Met Éireann, mean air temperatures last week were generally above normal, ranging from 14.1°C to 15.7°C—between 0.6°C and 1.9°C above average. Soil temperatures followed suit, sitting between 1.2°C and 2.5°C above seasonal norms. The trend of milder weather continues, with daytime temperatures climbing steadily through the week to reach 2°C to 4°C above normal by next weekend. Soil warmth will continue to rise, encouraging grass growth and aiding recovery in waterlogged areas.
Sunshine Outlook
Sunshine was in short supply last week, particularly in the west, with Knock Airport recording just 16.2 hours (47% of normal). Belmullet fared better, with 34.9 hours (95% of average). However, brighter days are ahead. As high pressure settles in, sunshine hours will increase and are likely to be around or slightly above average—ideal for drying ground and improving land access.
Drying Conditions
With the return of drier and sunnier weather, drying conditions are expected to be good for most of the week. There will be some interruptions, particularly on Tuesday and again toward the weekend when light rain or showers may reduce drying efficiency. Overall, however, the outlook is promising for making headway on the land.
Spraying Opportunities
This week should bring generally favourable conditions for spraying, thanks to lighter winds and fewer rain interruptions. Growers should plan around Tuesday’s patchy rain and some scattered showers later in the week to maximise productivity.
Field Conditions
Soil conditions remain varied across the country. In the north, soils are saturated or waterlogged, especially on poorly drained ground. However, southern counties are faring better, with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging from 15mm to 40mm—the driest being along southern coastal areas.
Encouragingly, soil conditions will continue to improve in the week ahead. In the north, SMDs are expected to rise to between 5mm and 20mm, signalling a gradual easing of waterlogging. In the south, SMDs could reach between 20mm and 55mm, supporting continued field operations.
