South Australia experiences lowest July rainfall for almost 100 years
We might have got some fog, but our state is seriously lacking in rain this month. It’s lining up to be one of the driest mid-winters in almost a century.
SA News
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Parched Adelaide is in the grip of a dry July not seen since 1924, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
So far just 17mm of rain has been recorded in Adelaide at West Terrace, which is about one quarter of the average (66.3mm) for July.
With little more rainfall on the horizon, climatologist Dr Naomi Benger says this month will likely be among the lowest on record.
“Only three other years have recorded less: 1924 (16.2mm); 1884 (13.0mm); and 1899 (10.1mm),” she said.
June rainfall for Adelaide at West Terrace was very close to the average 71.2mm with 71.0mm recorded.
But it was dry elsewhere, making it the State‘s driest June since 2007. May was also very dry.
“The rainfall deficits are having significant and widespread impacts on the agriculture community,” Dr Benger said. “While the deficits for this year are not as large (as last year), they follow from significant long term deficits, particularly for the northern agricultural area,”
Climate Outlooks issued in June predicted a wetter than average July to September, but the season failed to meet expectations.
Dr Benger said the outlook is based on climate drivers that have to line up with weather events and things like tropical cyclones can mix up the waters that form the drivers. In this case a positive southern annular mode is also keeping rainfall to the south of the state.
“Of course all of this is happening against the backdrop of a warmer climate,” Dr Benger said. “Trends in the last few decades have shown we can expect more frequent dry periods for South Australia, so that’s coming into play as well.”
In the latest Drought Statement, root-zone soil moisture has decreased across most of SA, giving farmers cause for concern.
Primary Producers SA chairman Rob Kerin says it’s a “mixed bag” across the state.
“The long-term forecast isn’t looking too bad, but we’d love a drink soon,” he said.
“There are some areas that are really dry at the moment, desperately needing some rain. Robertstown, Orroroo, Peterborough, Jamestown and then areas of the northern and eastern Eyre Peninsula, and the norther mallee.”
At the Adelaide Botanic Garden, horticultural site manager Cliff Sawtell is alert to the conditions.
“We have had an unseasonal dry July, following on from a nice damp May and June,” he said. “If we continue to have a dry August it will certainly have an effect.”
As a keen home gardener he has also been watering pot plants and winter vegetables more often.
