Soil moisture levels have improved in some parts over the past week, while others have gone slightly further into deficit, but the worst affected soils in the midlands and the east of the country remain around the same levels.
As of Sunday, July 5, the soil moisture deficit (SMD) in Malin Head, Co. Donegal, on well-drained soils was at 0 (field capacity). SMD levels of 0 were also recorded in Mayo, Ballyhaise and Mullingar.
In Cork, drier conditions returned as SMDs moved from 4mm and 7mm to 11mm and 17mm.
Claremorris Met Station recorded a reading of -2mm on moderately-drained soils and -10mm (saturation point) on poorly-drained soils.
Poorly-drained soils were also reported to be at saturation point at Malin Head and Ballyhaise.
Image source: Met Éireann
Rainfall levels
Rainfall levels were lowest in the south and south-east of the country this week. Met Stations at Cork Airport, Johnstown Castle, Oak Park and Roches Point all received less than 10mm rainfall from June 29 to July 5.
- Ballyhaise – 29mm (178%);
- Belmullet – 31.5mm (181%);
- Gurteen – 23.3mm (148%);
- Casement – 30.8mm (233%);
- Claremorris – 24.2mm (142%);
- Cork Airport – 8.4mm (46%);
- Dublin Airport – 21.1mm (152%);
- Johnstown Castle – 9.3mm (56%);
- Knock Airport – 41.1mm (191%);
- Malin Head – 44.5mm (255%);
- Mullingar – 26.2mm (158%);
- Oak Park – 7.1mm (52%);
- Roches Point – 5.1mm (35%);
- Shannon Airport – 14.7mm (95%);
- Valentia – 20.5mm (92%).