Summer had almost half average rainfall

Written by SIMONE KERWIN. - Source: Wangaratta Chronicle

WANGARATTA endured a summer of record temperatures and well below average rainfall.

Total summer rainfall of 77mm was well below the average of 126.5, with the majority (48.8mm) falling in December, and just 10.6mm in January.

The rainfall total for last month reached 17.6mm, but the majority fell on just one day - Friday the 13th.

There was 16.4mm rainfall on that day, with minimal rain recorded on just four other days for the month.

Rainfall remained below the February average of 43.5mm, and less than last year’s 28.6mm rainfall, but was higher than recorded levels for the month in 2006 and ‘07.

Mean average temperature for February was 33.2 degrees, with 45.8 degrees recorded on February 7 - the day of the Black Saturday fires - equalling our hottest ever day.

While conditions are dry at the moment, though, long range weather forecaster John Moore said there is a possibility of a break in the weather within the next two to three weeks.

"There is the possibility of a 60 per cent chance of a good break, which will hopefully see the turning of the season," Mr Moore said.

"We could be returning to a more normal year, but with the ground so dry, it’s not certain whether we will get sufficient rainfall to run a lot of water.

"If we got sufficient falls to replenish water storages, it could cause erosion and other problems in the fire areas."

Mr Moore said there should be reasonable falls during autumn, but steady rain is what is needed this season, followed by better winter rain to replenish water storages.