Farmers Urged to Brace for Poor Drying and Spraying Conditions

Irish farmers are being advised to prepare for more unsettled conditions next week, with Met Éireann forecasting above-normal rainfall across much of the country and a sharp decline in soil moisture deficits.

Rainfall totals over the next seven days are expected to trend above average in the northern half of the country, close to average in the midlands and mid-west, and below average in southern parts of Munster and Leinster. The northwest is likely to be wettest, with totals up to two or even two and a half times the normal weekly average.

Soil temperatures remain close to or above average nationwide. Readings this week ranged from 11.5 degrees at Knock Airport, Co Mayo to 13.7 degrees at Valentia Observatory. Met Éireann expects similar or slightly milder values in the week ahead.

Drying conditions will be quite good on Saturday but will deteriorate as the week progresses. Spraying conditions are forecast to be favourable on Sunday but will also become frequently poor after that.

Sunshine levels are set to dip below the climatological average over the coming seven days as the weather turns more unsettled.

Soil moisture deficits currently range from 0 to 12mm, with some poorly drained soils in west Kerry already close to waterlogging. Met Éireann says deficits will fall further next week, with well-drained soils becoming saturated and many poorly drained soils turning fully waterlogged.