Recent rainfall over the King’s Birthday long weekend has offered a glimmer of hope for drought-stricken regions in Australia, although further precipitation is essential for full recovery from prolonged dry conditions. A low-pressure system accompanied by several cold fronts has resulted in substantial rain and snow across Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales. According to Weatherzone, these areas experienced five-day rainfall totals ranging from 20mm to 50mm, with some locales, like Mount Sabine in the Otway Ranges of Victoria, recording as much as 130mm in just 48 hours by Monday morning.
Despite this encouraging start to winter, concerns linger as 2023 rainfall levels remain significantly below long-term averages, with some areas in South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania reportedly 50mm under what is typically expected. By the end of May, year-to-date totals were alarmingly low, sitting 200mm below average in certain parts of Victoria and even 400mm shy in regions of Tasmania.
To eradicate the drought, ongoing and adequate rainfall throughout the winter months is critical. Weatherzone has emphasised that the southern and south-eastern regions require more robust rain-bearing systems to address the long-standing deficiencies in rainfall. Although the recent precipitation is a positive sign and marks a promising beginning to the season, much more rain is necessary to truly alleviate the struggles faced by local farmers and communities.