West of Ireland soils at risk of saturation

The week ahead is set to remain unsettled, with rain or showers on most days keeping conditions difficult for farming activity as soils in the west reach saturation point. Rainfall amounts are expected to stay above average, with the heaviest falls likely in the west and southwest.

Soil temperatures have been running above average by between 0.9 and 2.1 degrees, currently ranging from 14.4 to 16.5 degrees, according to Met Éireann.

In the coming week, mean air temperatures will vary from one degree below average in parts of the west and south to one degree above average in the northeast. Soil temperatures will remain above average throughout the week.

Drying conditions will be generally poor due to the frequent showers and spells of rain. The best opportunities for drying will be today, but prospects will deteriorate as the week progresses.

Spraying opportunities will also be limited, with wet weather and breezy conditions making it difficult. Today offers the best window for spraying before further rain arrives.

Soil conditions are becoming increasingly challenging. In the north and west, soils are saturated, and some poorly drained ground is already waterlogged. Elsewhere, soils remain dry and trafficable, with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) generally between 20 and 50 mm. However, further rainfall in the coming days will reduce SMDs, with much of Connacht, Munster and west Ulster expected to see soils turning saturated or waterlogged.