Soils Saturated as Rainfall Set to Intensify

Met Éireann is warning of heavy rainfall across western and southern coastal areas over the coming week, with totals of up to four inches possible in some Atlantic-facing counties.

Widespread weekly rainfall totals of 30 to 50 millimetres are expected, while isolated locations along the west and southwest coasts could see as much as 100 millimetres.

Rainfall over the past week has varied significantly across Ireland.

Midland counties have remained drier than average, while eastern and southern coastal areas have seen wetter conditions.

Valentia, County Kerry, recorded the highest rainfall at 62.8 millimetres, compared with Mullingar, County Westmeath, where just 9.8 millimetres fell.

Met Éireann has also highlighted soil conditions, noting that soils across the north and west are already saturated, with poorly drained areas becoming waterlogged.

Elsewhere, soils remain dry and trafficable, with moisture deficits between 10 and 45 millimetres.

Continued rain over the next week is expected to worsen soil conditions, with most areas becoming saturated or waterlogged, although eastern Leinster and southern Munster are expected to retain some drainage, with soil deficits between 5 and 15 millimetres.