WILD and woolly conditions had Tamworth residents reaching for their brollies with the wettest day of the year on Wednesday.
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A glimpse of hope for farmers in desperate need of rain, the Bureau of Meteorology recorded 19mm at the airport weather gauge and another 28mm at Duri.
“We had quite a lot of showers and thunderstorm activity around the Tamworth region in the afternoon and evening,” a BOM spokeswoman said.
“In terms of drought for the region I don’t think these events are enough to break it, the soil moisture is so low it’s going to take a few good soakings of rain.
“We’ll need quite a bit more rainfall to replenish soil moisture and rehabilitate vegetation.”
A severe weather warning was issued on Wednesday and for good reason, with a trough over inland NSW triggering showers and storms across the region.
Armidale took the cake for highest rainfall in the region with 47mm of rain on Wednesday, followed by Quirindi with 20mm and Gunnedah with 10mm.
With still half a month to go Tamworth could exceed its average rainfall for October at 55.2mm with more showers and potential thunderstorms having been predicted for Thursday afternoon and evening.
“The chances are more likely a bit further east now with chances of rain easing on Friday,” the BOM spokeswoman said.
“We have a trough over the New England area which makes the atmosphere unstable, allowing pockets of air to rise and form into thunderstorms.
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“We had a severe weather warning out on Wednesday and we were considering the potential for hail around the region.”
“It’s certainly the most rain Tamworth’s had in a long time and the most in one day after a very dry few winter and autumn months.”
And, there’s more rain predicted with a second trough moving quickly from the Tasman to western NSW on Friday with the possibility of a super cell over Saturday.
If the super cell arrives it’s expected to bring with it thunderstorms, frequent lightning, damaging winds, large rainfall and hail.
The region has experienced unexpected dry periods over the last few months, with May recording just one day of rain.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
