Rainfall has been well below normal across the country over the past week, with the southwest seeing only trace totals, according to Met Éireann’s latest farming commentary.

Valentia in Co Kerry recorded just 0.2 mm of rain over the last seven days, only 1 per cent of normal levels for the time of year. Cork Airport saw 6.7 mm, about 41 per cent of normal. While parts of the west and southwest can expect up to 15 mm in the coming week, this still amounts to between 30 and 50 per cent of typical levels.

Most other areas will see between 2 and 10 mm, with the southeast likely to remain almost completely dry. Northern counties may receive up to 20 mm later in the week as showers turn wintry at times.

High pressure will dominate for much of the week, keeping conditions largely settled. Some rain, drizzle and showers are expected later in the week, especially in the north, but overall precipitation will stay low.

Mean air temperatures last week were close to or below normal in many areas, though parts of the east and north were slightly above average. Values ranged from 3.9 degrees at Gurteen in Co Tipperary to 7.4 degrees at Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford. The coming days will be cold with frosty nights, and temperatures are expected to fall further later in the week. Mean values will range from 1 to 6 degrees, which is between 1 and 4 degrees below average for most. Soil temperatures will also decline.

Sunshine levels varied widely. Johnstown Castle recorded 21.9 hours, almost double the normal amount, while Casement Aerodrome in Dublin saw only 6.5 hours. Cloudier conditions are expected in the coming days, with fog or freezing fog likely to linger in places by midweek. Sunshine will return at times but overall amounts are expected to be average or slightly below.

Field conditions have improved in recent days, Met Éireann says, with trafficability possible on well and moderately drained soils. Poorly drained land remains saturated or waterlogged. Little change is expected in the week ahead, with limited rainfall but also limited drying.