Arklow-Hill-Wicklow-1200x675 Grass Growth to Surge as Heat Holds — Arklow Hill, Wicklow

The week ahead looks set to bring proper summer warmth, with daytime temperatures running three or four degrees above what we would usually expect in mid-August.

Nights will be on the muggy side too, so grass and crops will be growing steadily. Soil temperatures are staying well above normal, and there should be no shortage of sunshine once today passes.

Drying Conditions
Drying will be moderate to good for much of the week, especially where showers stay away. Later on, and heading into next week, conditions should be even better which will suit anyone finishing up hay or silage.

Spraying
There should be plenty of chances to get spraying done. While the odd shower could put a stop to work for a spell, winds are forecast to stay generally light to moderate and there will be long dry gaps in between.

Field Conditions
In the midlands, south and east, soils are beginning to feel the pinch with moisture deficits between 20 and 50mm, and these figures will creep up a little more over the coming week, according to Met Éireann. Out west and in parts of the north, it is a different story, with well and moderately drained soils close to saturation and heavier, poorly drained ground already sodden. Care will be needed to avoid rutting or compaction in those wetter fields.