A status yellow blight warning has been issued by Met Éireann, with weather conditions conducive to the spread of blight.

The warning is place from Tuesday 15 August until the weekend, with the affected areas including the northwest, west and southwest of the country.

The potential risk of blight will add to the pressure facing many farmers, particularly in the potato industry who are struggling to cope with drought conditions.

Rainfall

Farmers hoping for rain in the worst affected drought regions have also been disappointed, with rainfall levels 40% to 60% below normal levels over the last week.

Most of Munster and the east of the country are still waiting for a spell of consistent rainfall to kick-start grass growth, but rainfall totals in parts of Connacht and west Ulster have been almost twice the average.

The weather is expected to be changeable for the remaining part of the week, with a risk of thundery showers on Thursday 16 August.

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