A cloudy day is forecasted for today with scattered outbreaks of rain but some periods of drier weather as well. Later in the day, rain is likely to turn persistent and heavy in the east and northeast, before spreading westwards.

The cloudy conditions will continue this evening with scattered outbreaks of rain. Winds will be east to northeasterly and light to moderate. Lowest temperatures will range from 4°C to 6°C, but may fall as low as 2°C to 3°C in the southwestern and southern counties where clouds break.

For Tuesday, dull and cloudy conditions are expected in the morning. Outbreaks of rain will gradually ease, with some bright or sunny spells developing later. By night, it will be mostly dry and winds will fall light with mist or fog patches forming. It will be cloudier in parts of the southwest and north, with outbreaks of rain.

Occasional rain and bright spells are expected on Wednesday, along with mostly light easterly winds. Wednesday night will be mostly dry with rain likely to affect parts of the south and north.

Thursday will be mostly dry with some bright or sunny spells and occasional showers and easterly breezes. Top temperatures will range from 10°C to 14°C.

There is a similar forecast for Friday with some bright spells and isolated showers. Top temperatures will be between 9°C and 14°C.

Farming weather

Rain

Almost all areas of the country were wetter than normal over the past seven days, with up to twice normal totals being recorded in the midlands. For the days ahead, it is likely to be drier overall with many parts of the country accumulating less than 50% of normal rainfall for mid-April. However, a band of rain over the country on Monday may bring totals to near normal in mid-Leinster and south-Connacht.

Temperatures

Temperatures for the past week across the country have been colder than normal. Negative mean air temperature anomalies of 1°C or 2°C were recorded across the board. Forecasts for the next week predict temperatures recovering in all areas, and mean values are likely to turn out average in the long run. Night frosts are unlikely and soil temperatures are slightly above normal at present.

Sunshine

Counties in the midwest and south were sunny during the past week, while all other parts were duller than normal. Mixed conditions are expected for the next seven days with regards to cloud cover, but many areas will probably have normal sunshine hours.

Spraying

Conditions for effective spraying operations will improve through the week.