Weather across Ireland

Rainfall amounts varied across the country over the past seven days. In the west and southwest, rainfall amounts were generally close to or above average while much of the north, east and south recorded close to or below average rainfall amounts. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recorded the most rainfall with 40.2mm (140% of its average), and Oak Park, Co. Carlow, recorded the least rainfall with 11.6mm (71% of its average). The weather over the coming days will be changeable with spells of rain or showers as well as some dry periods. The rain will be heavy at times and mainly over western and northern parts with generally above average or close to average amounts of rainfall expected in those areas over the coming week. Elsewhere, rainfall amounts are forecast to be below average. Air temperatures over the past week were above average nationwide, ranging from 13.2 degrees at Knock/Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo, and 15.9 degrees at both Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, and Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry. This equates to between 0.4 and 2 degrees above average. Mean soil temperatures were also above average, ranging from 14.6 to 17 degrees which is between 1.7 and 3.1 degrees above average. While it will be warm and humid today, Monday, it will become cooler and fresher tomorrow. As the changeable conditions are forecast to continue for the coming week, mean air temperatures are not expected to change much, ranging from 13 to 16 degrees which is close to average or up to one degree above average. Mean soil temperatures are expected to stay above average. Sunshine amounts were close to average for much of the country, with exception of coastal parts of the west and south which saw below average amounts. Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, saw the dullest conditions with just 15.6 hours of sunshine (56% of its average) while Casement Aerodrome, Co. Dublin, recorded the most sunshine with 31.7 hours (107% of its average). With changeable weather over the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to be close to average generally. Drying conditions will often be moderate or poor this week due to spells of rain or showers and with lighter winds during drier periods. The best opportunities will be on Wednesday away from any light showers and drizzle. There will be limited opportunities for spraying this week as there will be spells of rain, showers and breezy conditions at times. The best opportunities will be on Wednesday. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) currently range from 2mm to -9mm in the west and northwest with saturated or waterlogged soil conditions. Most soils are trafficable elsewhere with some restriction to growth in soils in the east as SMDs there are between 30mm and 39mm. With above average rainfall in the west and north over the coming week, SMDs will decrease further with soils in the northwest, southwest and parts of the midlands becoming saturated or waterlogged. SMDs will see little change in the east with restrictions to growth continuing. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur until Tuesday afternoon (15th September).