Weather across Ireland

Rainfall amounts were varied across the country over the past week. Over much of the northern half of the country with the exception of the far west, rainfall amounts over the past seven days were close to or above average, especially so in the north. Malin Head, Co. Donegal recorded the most with 35.4mm or 153% of its average. Elsewhere, it was drier than normal, particularly in the south, with 75% or less of the average. The least amount of rainfall was recorded at Roche's Point, Co. Cork, with just 1.6mm or 8% of its average. While this weekend and early part this week will be largely dry, more unsettled conditions will then develop with thundery showers or longer spells of rain. Overall, rainfall amounts will likely be above average throughout the country, though there is uncertainty in the exact amounts. Most places will see between 1 and 2 times their respective averages, but higher in some southeastern area. During the past seven days, mean air temperatures were largely within 0.5 degrees of average, ranging generally between 14.1 degrees and 15.7 degrees, coolest at Knock/Ireland West airport, Co. Mayo. However, it was a little warmer than average in the south, with mean air temperatures at Roche's Point, Co. Cork, coming in at 16.7 degrees Celsius, which is 1.3 degrees above average. Mean soil temperatures were above average throughout the country by between 1.2 and 3.7 degrees, ranging between 15.6 degrees in parts of the north and northwest to 19.5 degrees in the south. Over the coming week, while it'll be chilly tonight, daytime and nighttime temperatures will then trend upwards, with some notably mild nights. Overall, mean air temperatures will be around or slightly above average. Mean soil temperatures will continue above normal. Sunshine amounts were generally below average over the last seven days, though were closer to normal in Munster and south Leinster. The highest amount of sunshine was recorded at Cork airport, with 42.2 hours here, equating to 118% of normal, while the least amount, 14.1 hours or 40% of normal, was recorded at Dublin airport. There'll be a good deal of sunshine to start this coming week, and while it'll turn more unsettled for much of the week ahead, there'll still be some sunny spells in the mix. Overall, sunshine amounts are likely come in a little below average. Drying conditions will be mostly moderate to good at first before deteriorating from Tuesday. Spraying conditions will be mostly good at first away from a few showers, before deteriorating from Tuesday. Away from the northwest, most soils are experiencing restrictions to growth, with soil moisture deficits (SMDs) ranging between 25 and 96mm, highest in the southeast. In the far northwest, some soils are saturated or close to it. With above average precipitation expected over the coming week, SMDs will generally decrease by 10 to 25mm, with the chance that some soils in the north and northwest will become waterlogged. A potato blight advisory is in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many areas from Wednesday 26th August to Friday 28th August. There will be good opportunities for spraying up until Tuesday away, from a few possible showers later Monday.