Growth slows as dry spell continues

Soil temperatures remain well above average across the country, ranging between 17.0 and 19.7 degrees, according to Met Éireann.

This is between 2.2 and 3.7 degrees higher than normal for the time of year. Air temperatures will also stay above average over the coming week, with mean values one to three degrees higher than seasonal norms.

Conditions will generally be good over the next few days, but occasional showers are expected, particularly in the southwest on Sunday and Monday. These may briefly hinder drying. Spraying conditions should be favourable for most farmers, with long dry spells and light to moderate winds, though showers will limit opportunities locally.

All soils are currently dry and trafficable. Soil moisture deficits range from 5 millimetres in the north to 65 millimetres in the south and southeast, with the driest conditions in Leinster and Munster. Met Éireann expects little overall change in soil moisture levels over the week ahead. Slight increases in deficits are likely in north Leinster, while parts of the northwest may see a small decrease.

Grass growth is likely to become increasingly restricted in the coming days, particularly in the south and east where deficits are highest. Farmers can access forecast maps and meteograms on the Met Éireann Blight Forecast service for more detailed local outlooks.