Tim Bach
They say that “April showers bring May flowers” but that’s an English proverb that applies in the Northern Hemisphere. “May mushrooms” perhaps? Nevertheless, as winter approaches, we have correas, grevilleas, camellias, banksias and the early wattles blossoming in our garden in May.
After exceptionally dry months in February and March, we experienced a welcome return of rains at the beginning of April. In all, the April total recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology was 86.4mm, thanks mostly to 61mm recorded on April 2. The monthly total was somewhat above the long-term average of 64mm.
The outlook for May is for below average rainfall for most of Australia but June is expected to be close to average. The Bureau’s climate and long-rage forecast is available on the BoM website.
Maximum daily temperatures are expected to be above average in May but overnight minimums will be below average for parts of the southern mainland. Maximum and minimum daily temperatures are expected to be above average in June.
Daylesford water storages are lower than at this time last year because of the dry summer months. Total storage across Wombat, Bullarto and Hepburn reservoirs is 71% of capacity compared to 89% at the same time last year. The situation should improve with winter rains ahead. And the new pipeline being constructed by Central Highlands Water to make Daylesford more drought resilient is nearing completion.
The short range forecast is for the current autumn weather to continue. A high pressure system sitting southwest of Tasmania has brought stable conditions which will persist until at least Wednesday. Expect clear skies, mild days and cool nights for the beginning of May. The weather is ideal for spending time in your garden or enjoying the outdoors on foot or on a bicycle. Take advantage of this wonderful autumn weather while it lasts.
Vistor Szwed, our regular weather columnist, is travelling overseas and Tim Bach is filling in while he is away. Tim is a Daylesford resident and the editor of The Wombat Post.
