Northern Rivers rainfall totals well below average for June

Very little rain has fallen across the Northern Rivers this month, is that set to continue?

Rainfall totals on the Northern Rivers were well down on the average. Picture David Martinelli

A possible thunderstorm was flagged by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Northern Rivers today, and while there was no sign of thunder and lightning this morning, some rain had fallen across the region.

While it was brief, any falls bring welcome relief as little rain has fallen over the past six weeks.

Above average rainfall fell across the region in the first four months of the year, but that trend has taken a turn, with rainfall in June way below the average so far.

In Lismore, only 4.8mm of rain has fallen in June. The average rainfall for the month in the town was 110.1mm.

In May, 63.8mm fell, compared to the average of 65.4mm.

Ballina has only received 3mm of rain so far this month, well below its June average of 207.2mm.

In May, only 46.6mm fell, compared to the average of 154.4mm.

Byron Bay has also received only 3mm of rain in June, compared to its average of 170.3mm.

Average rainfall fell in May.

In Casino, only 5mm has fallen in May, compared to its average of 77mm.

The May total was down this year, with only 56.8mm falling, compared to 80.8mm average.

Tweed Heads also saw a decline.

Only 5.2mm has fallen in June, compared to the average 129.6mm.

May saw only 107.8mm fall compared to the average 152.5mm.

BOM’s climate outlook predicts rainfall between July to September was likely to be above average for most of Australia.

The El Nino – Southern Oscillation was neutral. Large parts of the eastern Indian Ocean were warmer than average, which can favour above average rainfall for parts of Australia.