Above-Normal Sunshine to Push Up SMDs

Met Éireann is forecasting a warm and mostly sunny week ahead, creating good drying conditions for farmers but also increasing the risk of soil moisture deficits (SMDs), particularly in the south and east.

Mean air temperatures will remain two to three degrees above average, while soil temperatures will stay well above normal. This will encourage crop and grass growth in the short term, although moisture stress is likely to become a limiting factor in some areas.

Drying conditions are expected to be generally good, with long dry spells and light to moderate winds. Showers will occur in places and may briefly slow drying.

Spraying opportunities will be plentiful through the week except where showers interrupt operations.

All soils are currently dry and trafficable, with soil moisture deficits ranging from 1mm in the north to 55mm in the south and southeast. The driest ground is in Leinster and Munster.

By the end of the week, deficits are forecast to rise to between 15mm and 70mm. This will increasingly restrict grass growth in the south and east and could add pressure to tillage crops, particularly in lighter soils.