Weekend weather: mixed and cool, with temperatures to pick up next week

There will be a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers on Friday, with the rain occurring mainly over northern parts, according to Met Éireann.

Cloud will accumulate over the west and southwest in the afternoon and evening, with a possibility of light rain.

Northwesterly breezes will be light to moderate, with highs of 10°C to 14°C.

Cloudy conditions will form in the west during Friday night and some showers of rain may occur. Temperatures will reach lows of 4°C to 8°C in a light west to southwest breeze.

Saturday

“More persistent rain will push into the west and southwest early on Saturday, gradually spreading eastwards across the country through the day,” Met Éireann has said.

In the evening, a mix of sunny spells and isolated showers will push into the west. Temperatures will remain cool, with highs of 10°C to 13°C in light to moderate west to southwest winds.

On Saturday night, rain in the east will clear early in the night, with clear spells and scattered showers moving across from the west. Temperatures will see lows of 5°C to 8°C, with a light westerly breeze.

Sunday

It will begin mostly dry on Sunday morning, with sunshine and the odd shower of rain. Cloud will develop in the afternoon, with showers spreading in from the west and a chance of isolated thunderstorms and heavy rain. Temperatures will be cool, with highs of 10°C to 14°C in moderate to fresh southwest winds.

Next week

Monday will be dull, with scattered showers of drizzle and more persistent rain spreading from the southwest during the day.

Temperatures will become milder, with highs of 12°C to 16°C.

As the week goes on, temperatures will become warmer, with some unsettled weather for a time, but potential for longer dry spells towards the end of the week.

Beef

In the beef notes, Martin Merrick goes through some key advice around grass supplies, reducing summer mastitis risk and testing slurry.

Dairy

In the dairy notes, Aidan Brennan takes a look at how much nitrogen farmers should be spreading for the summer months and how to avoid letting silage bulk up too long.

Sheep

In the sheep notes, Darren Carty says farmers wishing to apply for the 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme need to act fast before the deadline of 11.59pm on Friday 15 May 2026. He also discusses weed control in ACRES and trading hoggets.

Tillage

In the tillage notes, Siobhán Walsh examines T2 for winter wheat, sprays for spring barley and beans and minding the bees when spraying by doing it in the morning and evening.