How good are the ECMWF models at forecasting the probability of warmer than average conditions, such as the heatwave that gripped Europe this summer? Extended range forecasts have been a difficult product to put much faith in, as a forecast extends out in time there is a tendency towards chaos, however in recent years with growing computing power and understanding the ability to gather useful information from medium range forecasts has increased. The ability to gain confidence in a forecas...

The most up to date report on Climate Change has been released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Special Report on Global warming of 1.5°C, which was commissioned under the Paris Climate Change Agreement, examines projected climate change, potential impacts and associated risks of a human induced warming world. There is a growing focus on two sides of agriculture impacts, global crop yields due to the impacts of climate change and the impact of agricultural emiss...

Met Éireann will be present once again at the Ploughing Championships on the 18th, 19th and 20th of September in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, a familiar venue for any who have gone over the past two years. Please come along and say hello to the Met Éireann staff, their stand we will be situated at No 245, Block 2, Row 11 in the main Exhibition Area. Staff from the Digital Communications Unit will be on hand to assist with any queries related to the new Website and App (available here on I...

Through the past year the agriculture industry in Ireland has been, and continues to be, tested by adverse weather conditions. Looking at sustainability in the future the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE) will host their 166th annual Seminar in Galway on the 30th-31st August. In association with Teagasc , NUI Galway and FLINT talks will focus on sustainability within the sector in the current and changing environment as well as measurements, economic and societal impacts. Th...

Near or above normal rainfall rates over the past week have been greeted with a sense of relief as drought conditions have gripped the country for several weeks. Reduced crop yields and projected fodder shortages have already placing many farmers under pressure for the winter ahead. While the rainfall is a relief for many, recovery will be a slow process, for some however, it may be too late to reap the long overdue rewards. JRC MARS Bulletin Crop monitoring in Europe July 2018 takes a closer...

Excitement is tillering for the 27th biennial European Grassland Federation General meeting, where Ireland will, after a long hiatus, once again play host to this prestigious event. The last time Ireland hosted the event was in Dublin 30 years ago. Associations, institutions and individuals interested in grassland issues from more than 30 European member countries will descend on Douglas, Co.Cork. Rochestown Park Hotel will act as the hub for this meeting, while specialised mid week conference ...