Rainfall in August and September was well below average across most of south eastern Australia according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Areas of Queensland and northern New South Wales have had some of their driest two year periods on record and now, more recently, Western Victoria has been particularly dry.
Dr Andrew Watkins from the Bureau of Meteorology has said September rainfall was well below average in parts of southern Australia. “Places further south, particularly over the last several months, have seen a lot of large high pressure systems basically keeping the rain away and keeping the fronts away, so that’s led to deficiencies in rainfall, particularly over grain growing areas of Victoria.” Dr Watkins said. {Weatherzone – October 8, 2014}
Chris Glenn, Managing Director of Bushmans Water Tanks has said “Our customers in regional areas are particularly concerned about how dry it has been this spring and if this dry weather continues it will make it a very tough summer.
Rainfall Forecast
The BOM have forecast to expect a drier than average October to December across broad areas of eastern Australia and parts of northwestern WA. Interestingly Tasmania is expected to be wetter. October is looking to be drier than average over much of central and eastern Australia and the northern coastal areas of WA are also expected to be dry.
The influences that are influencing this drier weather include warmer than normal temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole.
The drier weather for October to December is more likely for most of Queensland, eastern and northern NSW, central NT and northern parts of WA.
In the tropics the BOM has indicated it is expected that a drier than normal build up period is likely this summer.
Expect Temperatures to Be Warmer
The temperatures for October to December are expected to be warmer and these warmer conditions are more likely for eastern, central Australia and parts of WA, with the strongest odds in the eastern parts of the country early in the summer season.
Across the country warmer than normal nights are also predicted. The exception is on the Kimberly coastline, the northern half of the NT and northeastern Queensland. The Tropical regions are expected to have cooler weather than the sub-tropical areas.
The important climate influences are warmer than normal temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole. Ocean temperatures are expected to be warmer in the southeast of Australia and this is consistent with higher temperature probabilities for Tasmania, Victoria and southern NSW.
The outlook accuracy for this seasons forecasts are considered to be moderate to high over most of Australia, although it may be less accurate around southeastern Queensland and parts of southern Australia. {BOM Forecast Website.}
What Does this Mean for Water?
With the hotter and dryer conditions predicted this summer, water storage and rainwater harvesting are vital parts of ensuring the house, farm or business does not run short of water. A well designed rainwater tank system can provide rainwater during these dryer times. Once the right tank is chosen and installed, the rest is easy – the tank will collect rain water, store it and allow you to use it any way you need to. Having a constant supply of water is a worry to Australians due to our harsh climate. With the use of a water tank there is no need to worry as you will have a fresh supply of water on hand to use when you want.
Bushmans is able to help with the design and installation of a water tank system to ensure the right tank is selected.
For more information on water tanks and how it can help in these dryer times contact Bushmans on 1800 008 888 or visit www.bushmantanks.com.au.
