Farmers are facing another challenging week as poor field conditions are expected to persist across much of Ireland.

According to Met Éireann, all well and moderately drained soils are saturated, while poorly drained soils remain waterlogged. Frequent rainfall over the coming week is unlikely to improve conditions.

Mean soil temperatures have been above average in recent days, ranging from 11.4 to 13.7 degrees, but cooler weather this week will see temperatures fall to between 8 and 11 degrees, up to three degrees below normal. Grass frost is possible towards the weekend, and soil temperatures are expected to drop slightly.

Rainfall totals over the past seven days were variable, below average in the west and northwest but near or above average elsewhere, ranging from 20 to 263 per cent of normal. While more frequent sunny spells are expected this week, rain and showers will continue, limiting drying opportunities in the fields.

Spraying and other field operations will also be severely restricted by breezy conditions and persistent rainfall, adding to ongoing challenges for farmers managing crops and livestock.