October rainfall mixed
5/11/2009
October was mixed for rainfall across much of Australia, with a very wet finish to the month throughout northern NSW and southern Queensland, boosting what would otherwise have been a very dry month. With October rainfall critical heading into the warmer months, especially for the southern states and the winter grain harvest, conditions for many regions are again tenuous as temperatures heat up.
Thanks to a downpour in the final days of the month, much of central and western Queensland received above average falls, including almost three times the monthly average at Cunnamulla. After very hot conditions throughout August and September, the late October rain was well received throughout the region, with many producers anxiously awaiting further late spring and summer rain.
Unfortunately, the eastern corner of Queensland recorded below average rain during October, with Roma reflective of most of the region, only recording 5mm for the month, compared with the October average of 57mm.
For NSW, while most of the coastal fringe recorded above average falls during October, eastern and central parts of the state experienced average falls. Below average falls across the south west of the state only further added to the deteriorating season.
After good falls throughout August and September, western Victoria and eastern SA had below average falls for the month, which for most places were 20-30mm below the October average. Fortunately, the wet finish to winter has helped to provide good seasonal conditions, underpinning the upcoming winter harvest and boosting demand from producers for suitable ewes.
In the west, October was largely drier than normal, particularly around coastal regions in the south, while the WA winter grain harvest is forecast to again be reasonable. The wet conditions realised recently in the southern Great Southern and southwest of WA, coupled with low levels of sunshine, continue to have a negative affect on pasture growth. It is now believed that there is little chance of a spring flush given the lateness of the season.
After a very wet August and September, October was drier for Tasmania; this has allowed very good pasture growth to be recorded in a number of areas for the first time in a number of years.
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