Victor Szwed
October rainfall for Daylesford has been around 95mm according to the Bureau of Meteorology web site (BOM). The long-term average is 79.5mm and my weather station recorded just over 110mm. This followed a dry September with only 35mm compared to the 88mm average. This year to date we have only had around 642mm of rain compared to the long-term average of 767mm.
Last weekend saw some wild weather with storms and strong winds. But the good rains this month have still not brought soil moisture levels up to the typical levels at this time of year. This is because we have had some very dry periods during the past two years.
Drive down the Daylesford to Ballan Road, dodge the growing potholes and it feels like we have had exceptionally wet weather. If potholes are not repaired quickly any rainfall will seep into the road base which can then experience major failures that become very expensive to fix.
The Bureau of Meteorology has revamped its web site as of 22nd October. This has caused a lot of negative reaction as it is quite different and challenging to navigate. As someone who looks at the BOM site at least twice most days, I have had to gradually explore and adjust to how it works. Give it some time and explore its contents. Apparently the BOM has been directed to adjust the site urgently.
The BOM forecasts for November to January are for wetter than normal conditions for much of eastern Australia including our area. In particular, November is expected to be a wetter month. Note however that the BOM forecasts can change on a weekly basis as their modelling is updated.
Daylesford’s water storages are still 100% full. Melbourne storages are around 73% compared to 90% at the same time last year. Ballarat storages are only at 50%.
Victor Szwed is a Daylesford resident who contributes a monthly weather update to The Wombat Post.
