Unusual warning issued by Met Éireann amid ongoing humid weather

MET Éireann has issued a yellow advisory for potato blight, warning growers across parts of Ireland to remain on high alert as conditions favour the spread of the disease.

Potato blight is a plant-disease caused by a fungal-like organism called Phytophthora infestans. It is arguably the most important disease which affects the potato, in terms of the economic losses and environmental impact of disease management in Ireland.

Blight is of particularly importance to Ireland, following the decimation of the potato crop in the 1840s which, among other colonial factors, contributed to widespread famine, emigration and death.

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Maps from Met Éireann show the lower half of the country at a very high risk of blight with the warning in effect from Wednesday up until Sunday.

Farmers across Ireland are urged to monitor crops closely and take preventive measures where necessary.