Short Window for Spraying as Fields Slowly Recover

Soil temperatures have remained above average across Ireland over the past week, ranging from 12.4 °C to 14.8 °C, according to Met Éireann, between 0.2 °C and 2.1 °C above normal.

High pressure is expected to dominate in the coming days, bringing drier conditions and spells of sunshine, though cloudier and more unsettled weather is likely later in the week.

Met Éireann reports that rainfall totals will generally be below or close to normal, though higher amounts are expected in parts of the west and southwest, where weekly totals could reach around 40 mm, roughly 150% of the average. Overall, sunshine amounts are forecast to be above normal in most areas.

Field conditions are improving slowly. Moderate and well-drained soils are currently near saturation, while poorly drained fields remain waterlogged. Conditions are drier in the south and east, and Met Éireann predicts soil moisture deficits in most well and moderately drained soils will reach between +2 mm and +10 mm by Thursday, offering a window for spraying and other fieldwork.

However, this respite will be short-lived. Later in the week, field conditions are expected to deteriorate again, with well-drained soils becoming saturated and poorly drained soils waterlogged. Farmers are advised to take advantage of early-week drying conditions to complete key operations.