Farmers face poor drying conditions as rain continues

Farmers face another unsettled week with frequent showers and spells of rain set to bring above-average rainfall across much of the country, according to Met Éireann. The heaviest falls are expected in the west and southwest.

Mean air temperatures will remain close to seasonal norms, within about a degree of average, while soil temperatures are holding between 14.2 and 16.2 degrees, around one to two degrees above normal. Little change in soil temperatures is expected in the week ahead.

Sunshine will be limited, with totals likely to be below normal in the west and near or below normal in the east.

Drying conditions will be generally poor, with rain and showers on most days. Spraying opportunities will also be limited due to the unsettled pattern and breezy conditions.

Field conditions are increasingly challenging in the north and west, where soils are saturated and some poorly drained areas are already waterlogged. Elsewhere, soils remain mostly dry and trafficable, with soil moisture deficits ranging between 20 and 45 mm. Further rainfall this week is expected to reduce those deficits.

Met Éireann said soils across Connacht, Ulster, west Munster and north Leinster are likely to become saturated or waterlogged in the coming days. Soils in east Munster and south Leinster will retain deficits of 20 to 40 mm.