Heavy Rainfall Dominates Weather

Over the past seven days, Ireland has experienced exceptionally high rainfall, with precipitation levels far exceeding the seasonal average.

The most substantial accumulations were observed in the midlands and the southwest, where rainfall ranged between 237% and 280% above normal. Valentia recorded the highest total with 55.4mm—an extraordinary 256% above its typical amount for this time of year.

This pattern of heavy rainfall is expected to persist, as the coming week looks to remain unsettled. Showers and longer spells of rain are forecast across most of the country. Notably, parts of the west could receive more than twice the average rainfall for early June. In contrast, the south is projected to be slightly drier, although still unsettled.

The persistent rain is having widespread impacts on field and farming conditions. Soil moisture deficits are already low—between +15mm and +45mm—and are near saturation in many areas of the midlands. With more rainfall on the horizon, waterlogged soils are likely in parts of the west, hampering agricultural activity and field access.

Drying conditions will remain poor due to ongoing rain and breezy spells, limiting opportunities for effective spraying. Farmers and land managers can expect challenging conditions, particularly in areas already near or at saturation.

In terms of temperature, Met Éireann says the past week was generally mild, with mean air temperatures ranging between 12.1°C and 14.6°C—slightly above average. However, a slight cooling trend is expected, with forecast temperatures dipping 1 to 2 degrees below normal. Soil temperatures remain high but will cool slightly, though they are likely to stay above the seasonal norm.

Sunshine amounts were slightly above normal in most areas last week, with Casement Aerodrome in Co. Dublin enjoying 45.8 hours of sunshine—115% of the average. In contrast, Knock Airport in Co. Mayo recorded just 19.7 hours, or 54% of the norm. This week, with a mixed weather outlook, sunshine is likely to be near or below average.