Met Éireann says widespread rainfall over the coming week is expected to lead to a marked deterioration in ground conditions across Ireland.

Rain totals are forecast to range between 30 and 60 millimetres in most areas, well above the normal levels for this time of year. The heaviest rainfall is expected in the west and southwest, with persistent showers likely to affect fields throughout the week.

Following a recent dry spell, soil moisture levels are currently moderate on well-drained land and low on poorly drained soils. The incoming rainfall is expected to saturate well-drained soils, while moderately and poorly drained farmland is likely to become waterlogged. These conditions are expected to make fields soft and muddy, reducing their usability for grazing and other agricultural activity.

The combination of sustained rain and high soil moisture deficits means that farmland across much of the country will face worsening ground conditions over the week. Even areas that had previously dried out during recent dry weather are likely to see soils deteriorate quickly under the forecast rainfall.

Met Éireann noted that while there may be brief periods of lighter rain, the overall trend for the week is wet and unsettled, with farmland ground conditions expected to decline significantly in most regions.