However, the southeast corner was notably drier with less than 50% of normal totals. The next seven-day period is expected to be a little drier than normal, especially the east and south with about 50% to 90% of the long-term average rainfall expected there. The west is likely to receive around normal rainfall amounts.The north looks to be the wettest part of the country and northern coastal regions could record up to twice the norm of rain for the end of November.

Tillage editor Andy Doyle writes that with many areas receiving two or more inches of rain in the past week, field work has been brought to a temporary halt for the moment at least.

Temperatures

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Mean air temperatures in the week gone by were above normal generally by between 0.5°C and 1.5°C, except in the northwest corner. A similar above-normal profile will be maintained on aggregate over the coming week, although early today (23 November) will be much colder than normal for late autumn. Mean soil temperatures remain above normal generally by 2°C or 3°C and not much change is expected in this profile during the coming week.

Sunshine

The past week was duller than normal throughout the country, although parts of the northwest coast did approach normal sunshine hours. Changeable conditions in the coming week will make for cloudy skies much of the time, but average sunshine hours may be achieved in some places.

It is unlikely that there will be any significant drying during the coming week.

Spraying

Apart from early Monday, it will be either too wet or too windy, or both, for effective spraying.

Field conditions

All fields are saturated now and little improvement can be expected given the time of year, except perhaps on some better drained lands. With grazing conditions very difficult, most animals are housed. Sheep editor Darren Carty writes that while the aim will be to graze fields tight before closing, it is important to reach a balance between grazing and avoiding poaching.

However, temperatures will improve from Monday 23 November and good growth for the time of year will be maintained.