There was a definite west / east split in rainfall this week. Between 23 and 29 July, the weather station in Claremorris had 33.2mm or 179% of its average weekly rainfall while Oak Park in Carlow had just 8.5mm or 60% of its average weekly rainfall.

The start of the week will see Monday start with scattered showers in the west and north but the east and south will be dry.

Some of the showers in the northern half of the country will be heavy. Temperatures will range from 15°C to 19°C.

For Tuesday, the west east split is expected to be seen again. There will be showers, some of them heavy at times, over the north and west of the country but the east will be drier with bright, sunny conditions.

Afternoon temperatures will again range from 15°C to 19°C.

Conditions will deteriorate on Wednesday.

While temperatures could hit as high 21°C, there will be heavy spills of rain nationwide. There will be heavy morning rain before clearing. However, the heavy rain will again on Wednesday night and into Thursday. Early indications suggest that as much has 18mm could fall.

The rain will clear and temperatures will be in the high teens.

For Friday and into the weekend, the indications suggest that the broken conditions will continue.

Farming forecast

Rain

Despite some parts of the country seeing lower than normal rainfall, the majority of the country saw above average rainfall levels. For the coming week, low pressure will continue to dominate across the country.

Wednesday will see very large volumes of rain fall particularly in the west and north.

Temperatures

Temperatures last week were about normal for the time of year but this week’s low pressure will result in lower than normal temperatures for the time of year.

Field conditions

Heavy soils or poorly drained soils, especially those in the western half of the country, are under pressure at the minute. The heavy rain this week will put further pressure on these lands.

Soils in the east and south have been welcoming of the rain. However, the broken conditions will not be welcomed by those looking to progress the harvest.