Victor Szwed
We experienced several rainy days during May with a total of 100.6mm of rain compared to the long term mean of 88.2mm according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Fortunately, the clouds cleared on May 26th for much of the total eclipse of the moon. After 46mm of rain on Tuesday the 25th and cloudy conditions into Wednesday, the sky cleared just in time to observe the first part of the eclipse. Then the clouds rolled in again. Four phases of the eclipse seen in Daylesford before the clouds returned.
The BOM weather modelling continues to indicate that rainfall over the coming three months is likely to be above average for much of northern, central and eastern Australia. Western parts of WA are anticipated to have drier than normal conditions.
The BOM indicate that daytime and night time temperatures are likely to be above average for much of Australia including Victoria.
As of 31st May, Daylesford’s water reservoirs were 80% full according to Central Highlands Water. This compares to 78% this time last year. Our water storages hold 795 Megalitres with annual consumption demand being around 652 ML. There are groundwater sources available to supplement our needs. Overall storage capacity is not large and relies in some decent rainfall to recharge, particularly during the normally wetter months of May to September.
Frosty conditions on a number of mornings have brought a reminder to protect plants that are frost sensitive. My Pepino plants were significantly burnt by the frost. What is a Pepino? Check it out online, they have a small melon like fruit that is quite sweet. Easy to propagate from cuttings, they grow into a small bush and they like warmer protected areas.
Victor Szwed is a Daylesford resident who makes regular contributions to The Wombat Post.
