Darwin records highest rainfall for September in almost 40 years

DARWIN has already experienced nearly five times the September monthly average rainfall in 2020, with nine days still remaining in the month.

DARWIN has already experienced nearly five times the September monthly average rainfall in 2020, with nine days still remaining in the month.

The 77mm that has fallen across Darwin since Saturday, including 17.6mm yesterday morning, is the highest since 1981.

On average, 15.6mm of rain falls across Darwin in September.

Despite the early onset of rain, hot and humid conditions will continue in the Top End this week, with the chance of showers and thunderstorms bringing periods of cooler relief.

Darwin has already experienced nearly five times the September monthly average rainfall in 2020, with nine days still remaining in the month. Pictured is Natrisha Barnett ready for more rain. Picture: Che Chorley

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A unique set of circumstances helped keep the storms recharging at the weekend, while typical build-up conditions result in a single burst of rain followed by days of inactivity.

But with the first 50mm of rain that falls in Northern Australia helping trigger grass growth, the weekend’s downpour was important for the pastoral sector.

Typically this amount, known as the Northern Rainfall Onset, falls in the Top End by late October or early November, spreading further south and inland over the following weeks.

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The early onset means it will also likely hit the southern part of the NT sooner.

Most places across the Top End benefited from the weekend’s downpour, with Wagait Beach (10mm), Adelaide River (1.2mm) and Katherine (0.2mm) all hit by the rain.