Wet Week for the East

Rainfall totals were significantly above average for much of the country, particularly in the east.

Casement Aerodrome in Dublin recorded 68mm of rain, a staggering 472% of the average. By contrast, Shannon Airport in Co. Clare saw just 12.1mm, or 75% of the average, highlighting how uneven the rainfall distribution has been.

Fortunately, high pressure is expected to build over the coming days, ushering in a much drier spell for most areas. Rainfall totals for the week ahead are forecast to remain below 10mm, with only occasional showers.

Temperatures: Slightly Above Normal, and Rising

Despite the dull skies, air temperatures have been slightly above average, ranging from 13.6°C to 15.2°C, or 0.2°C to 1.2°C above normal. Soil temperatures are also running 1.0°C to 2.3°C above average, providing some encouragement for crop and grass growth.

Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to rise even further, with values climbing to 2°C to 4°C above average later in the week as the high pressure settles in.

Outlook: More Sunshine on the Way

The good news is that sunshine amounts are set to improve in the coming days. With more settled weather expected mid-to-late week, sunshine levels will likely return to average or slightly above average.

Agricultural Outlook: Ground Still Saturated in the North

In its latest farming commentary, Met Éireann says soil moisture levels remain high across the northern half of the country, with many areas still saturated or waterlogged, particularly where drainage is poor. In contrast, southern counties are seeing soil moisture deficits of 15 to 45mm, with the driest ground near the south coast.

As rainfall eases, soil conditions are expected to gradually improve, especially in the north where deficits are forecast to rise to between 5 and 20mm. The south will likely see deficits increase to 20 to 50mm.

Drying and Spraying Conditions Improving

Drying conditions remain moderate to poor early in the week due to lingering cloud and patchy rain. However, by midweek, with fewer showers and rising temperatures, drying conditions will improve significantly.