Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are expected to decrease by 20-40mm in the south and east this week with above average precipitation forecast for the country.

However, according to Met Éireann, there is a chance that some soils in the north and north-west will become waterlogged or close to.

The national forecaster reported SMDs in the south and east of between 40mm and 85mm, while some soils in the far north-west are close to saturation.

Apart from the far north-west, most soils are experiencing restrictions to growth.

Rainfall was below average across the country during the past week.

Met Éireann said that weather will be notably more unsettled this week, with either spells of rain or showers every day.

Rainfall amounts are forecast to be above average nationwide, with over twice the norm expected in many areas.

Temperatures and sunshine

Air temperatures over the past seven days were near or below normal, ranging between 13.3° and 15.5°C.

Soil temperatures remain above normal generally, with values between 15.1° and 18.2°C.

Overall temperatures for the next week are expected to come in around normal or slightly above.

Sunshine amounts over the past week were near or above normal.

With unsettled weather forecast for the coming week, sunshine amounts are likely to be lower than normal.

Drying and spraying

Drying conditions will be moderate to poor over the next week, with frequent showers or longer spells of rain.

Spraying conditions will also be moderate to poor over the next week with frequent showers or longer spells of rain.

It will also become breezier from Sunday (August 30) onwards.

A potato blight advisory is currently in effect. Weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many areas from now (August 27) until Sunday evening.