Met Éireann has warned farmers that overall rainfall this week will range between 1 and 2 times the average amount for this time of year.

In its latest farming commentary it has advised that there will be further outbreaks of rain and drizzle, but it is then forecast to become mainly dry for Friday and much of Saturday.

According to Met Éireann, over the coming days, temperatures will generally be above normal but will turn colder for a time later Thursday and into Friday.

Saturday could see temperatures recover but overall mean air temperature will likely be close to a degree above normal.

Mostly cloudy conditions are expected for the coming days with below average sunshine.

Drying, spraying and field conditions

Met Éireann outlined: "Drying conditions will be poor in the days ahead with outbreaks of rain and drizzle and showers forecast and little sunshine."

Spraying conditions will also be poor with the outbreaks of rain and drizzle, with good opportunities on Friday and early Saturday.

Poorly drained soils are currently waterlogged in the south and east, approaching waterlogged elsewhere.

The forecaster said that "all well and moderately drained soils are saturated" and conditions will deteriorate with all poorly drained soils becoming waterlogged along with some moderately drained soils.

Animal welfare

Government support is available to farmers who have been affected by flooding in the form of animal welfare supports.

For animal welfare issues connected with flooding, farmers are advised to keep in touch with their agricultural advisor or, contact their local Regional Veterinary Office or the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Animal Welfare Helpline.

The government has also urged people to monitor their local weather forecast and to check their local authority website and social media for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.