Overall, Friday will be a wet and windy day. Heavy showers will remain throughout, with some brief dry intervals at times. Winds will be strong and blustery, while highest temperatures will remain between 17oC and 20oC.

A bust of low pressure from the Atlantic is set to approach from the southwest and head eastwards on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday morning. The pressure will cause very strong south-westerly winds, with the southern half of the country receiving the strongest overnight. Gusts of strong, high winds are possible in coastal areas, with winds possibly reaching 80-90km/h. Seas are expected to remain rough, with thundery showers in parts.

Stormy conditions from the day before will carry on through to Saturday and lead to heavy showers throughout the day. Winds will continue to be strong and blustery but may be interrupted by intervals of sunshine at times. Highest temperatures will vary from 16oC to 19oC.

Sunday morning will see conditions improve slightly. Early sunshine can be expected and the majority of the morning will be dry with patches of cloud. As Sunday afternoon approaches, these dry conditions will give way to a burst of rain approaching from the southwest of Munster, which will then cover all counties by evening time. Highest temperatures will vary from 17oC to 18oC in strong southerly winds.

The beginning of next week is set to be a mix of dry and showery weather, with highest temperatures set to range from 17oC to 21oC.

Management notes

In this week’s beef management notes, Kieran Mailey offers advice on calculating fodder, castrating male cattle and controlling weeds.

Over in the dairy management notes, Aidan Brennan covers calf weights, spreading of fertiliser and autumn calving.

Livestock specialist Darren Carty focuses on the important factors to consider when buying and selling store lambs in this week’s sheep management notes.

And finally, tillage editor Andy Doyle discusses the planting of winter rape as the harvest season continues, in this week’s tillage management notes.