Dry Conditions Give Farmers a Window Before Friday Rain

Ireland is set for drier than average conditions over much of the country for the coming week, according to Met Éireann.

Rain is expected on Friday night and into early Saturday, with above average totals in parts of the west and northeast.

The heaviest rainfall is forecast for the west and southwest, with amounts ranging from 60 to 200 per cent of the weekly average.

Met Éireann expects mean air temperatures to remain within one degree of the seasonal average, between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius. Soil temperatures are generally above average across the country, though slightly lower in parts of the west.

Good spells of sunshine are predicted, providing opportunities for fieldwork. Drying conditions will be moderate to good until Friday, when rain arrives, before improving again from Sunday onwards.

Spraying is likely to be possible across much of the country until Friday, with further windows early next week, Met Éireann advises.

Soil conditions vary across the country. Many soils remain saturated or close to saturation, while lighter soils are mostly trafficable. Poorly drained soils in parts of the east are nearing waterlogged conditions. Soil moisture deficits are expected to decrease slightly over the week as rain falls Friday into Saturday. Light soils should remain workable, but most poorly drained soils may become saturated or waterlogged during this period.

Farmers are advised to monitor soil conditions closely, particularly in low-lying fields, and to plan spraying and other field operations around the forecast rain.