Farm Weather

Over the past week, rainfall amounts were above normal across Leinster and near western and southwestern coasts. Amounts were below normal across the rest of the country. The highest accumulation of 45.1mm was recorded at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford (184% of average). The location with the least amount of rain was Shannon Airport, where there was an accumulation of 10.3mm (49% of average). The weather will be mixed this week with rain or showers at times but most parts of the country will receive below average amounts of rainfall, particularly across most of Leinster where amounts are forecast to be less than 15mm. Highest amounts (30 to 50mm) are expected in the far southwest, the west and the northwest. Temperatures over the past seven days were above average nationwide, with mean values of 11.8 to 14.5 degrees Celsius. Temperatures will fluctuate this week, with some mild days and some cool days, and on average values are expected to be a degree or two above normal. Soil temperatures are near or above normal, ranging between 13 and 15.1 degrees Celsius. Sunshine over the past seven days was above normal in the south and east and slightly below normal in the west and north. It was sunniest at Casement Aerodrome, where there were 32.6 hours of sunshine. The least amount of sunshine (19.5 hours) was at Belmullet. With changeable weather expected this week, sunshine amounts will likely be around normal. Drying conditions will be moderate or poor this week. While there will be some dry and bright spells, they will be followed by rain or showers. Opportunities for spraying will be limited this week. There will be some opportunities today (Tuesday) in the north and west once rain and drizzle clears southwards. There will be some dry spells on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday but it will be quite breezy and there will be showers around. Some light soils are trafficable at the moment, however poorly drained soils are generally saturated or waterlogged and some moderately drained soils in the midlands and west are saturated. Due to rain and showers this week, field conditions are forecast to deteriorate in the next seven days with soils becoming saturated or waterlogged.