Field drying conditions are under threat as Met Éireann reports that there was a 30% increase in average rainfall in January.

Rainfall for all areas was above average, with Malin Head in Donegal recording its highest monthly total on record.

Newport in Co Mayo recorded the highest total with 274mm, which was 64% above its January average. Meanwhile, Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford recorded 109.8mm of rain, 93% above its normal January total.

Double average rainfall

The rain is expected to continue in February, with almost double the average amount of rainfall predicted for Ulster in the next week.

Although slurry season is now open in all counties, farmers have been experiencing difficulties in getting out to fields that remain saturated.

The Met Éireann weather forecast states: “Most soils are waterlogged presently, and this is unlikely to change in the near future.”

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Drying conditions jeopardised after rise in January rainfall

Met Éireann has reported a large increase in the amount of rain that fell during January, which could jeopardise land drying conditions.