Irish National Meteorological Service Met Eireann has issued a nationwide blight warning for next week, with scorching temperatures expected. The status yellow environmental warning says that early next week will see weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight.
High temperatures this weekend are set to get hotter still next week topping 20 degrees, says Met Eireann. On top of that, heavy rain is forecast to come in tomorrow as well, though that’s not going to knock the mercury down much.
The national forecaster said that the humid conditions could see the spread of potato blight, particularly in coastal areas. From Monday on, the heat is expected to return with a vengeance by mid-afternoon.
Potato blight is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora infestans that spreads through the air and thrives in humid weather. Its symptoms include patches of brown freckles on leaves with a yellowish border, dark patches on tubers, and potatoes rotting into soggy masses.
Source: galwaydaily.com
