Record dry start to the new year

DRY January 2019 is not just about New Year’s resolutions as the state’s South-East has been parched.

Liquid asset: Business is booming for water carrier Rodney Chadwick from Woodbridge in the state’s South. Picture: Chris Kidd

DRY January 2019 is not just about New Year’s resolutions as the state’s South-East has been parched.

Hobart was this week headed for its driest January on record, with less than 1mm of rain falling since the start of the year.

The lowest Hobart rainfall recorded in January is 2.8mm in 2008, according to the Bureau of Meteorology and the capital was well on track to beat that last night with a maximum of 1mm forecast by the end of the day.

The area around Grove in the Huon Valley has had 2.4mm of rain this month, less than half the record minimum, also in 2008, of 5.2mm.

Bureau meteorologist Rachel Mcinerney said the dry spell could be explained by the lack of weather fronts impacting on Tasmania because of blocking highs, which had been relatively immobile.

The strong high-pressure systems have stopped the movement of weather systems from west to east.

Depending on their location and surrounding systems, blocking highs can create a hot spell, a cold spell, dry conditions or wet conditions.

“And often the fronts we have seen have been quite dry,” Ms Mcinerney said.

A system of dry thunderstorms crossed the state on January 15, sparking dozens of bushfires.

Along with the fires, the lack of rainfall is creating a higher demand for freshwater for homes on tank water.

Water carrier Rodney Chadwick, of Woodbridge in the state’s South, said people were wanting tanks topped up even if they might not need it.

“It’s always a bit dry this time of year, but especially because of the fires,” Mr Chadwick said.

Mr Chadwick said those who rely on water tanks needed to learn to prepare for drier spells.

TasWater is urging people to conserve water during the bushfire season to ensure it is available for firefighting.

TasWater reminded property owners reticulated supply may not be available when fires hit and urged them to prepare a fire plan and consider alternative water sources.

Residents in areas not under threat from fires are asked to conserve water during total fire bans so TasWater can help firefighting efforts and cart water to nearby communities. TasWater said those areas at risk from fires may notice lower water pressure due to extra demand.