With virtually all of NSW still in drought, decent falls of rain predicted this week will be welcome news for growers.
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Nigel Smedley from the Wagga office of the Bureau of Meteorology said there was a 70 per cent chance of up to four millimetres of rain falling on the city on Tuesday.
But Wednesday is much more promising, with the bureau saying there is a 90 per cent chance of between 20mm and 40mm.
At Cootamundra, Tuesday is likely to bring little in the way of rain, but Wednesday’s prediction is a 90 per cent chance of between 15mm and 30mm.
Junee’s chances of rain on Tuesday are slightly better, with a 70 per cent chance of up to five millimetres, with a 90 per cent chance of between 20mm and 35mm on Wednesday.
At Deniliquin, the chances of rain on Tuesday have improved, with a 90 per cent chance of between six millimetres and 15mm, but the following day is promising only a 40 per cent likelihood of up to three millimetres.
After missing out on the heavy falls that soaked parts of the western Riverina last week, Leeton could record some decent falls.
There is an 80 per cent chance of between five millimetres and 15mm on Tuesday and the same chance of further falls of up to 10mm.
Mr Smedley said the bureau’s long-term outlook for the region had not changed, with the remainder of the year likely to be drier and warmer than average.
The NSW Department of Primary Industry’s seasonal update shows that rainfall varied widely across the state in September.
Anthony Clark from the DPI said September rainfall was average to very much below average across most of NSW, with 100mm received in the east of the state and nothing in the west.
“Conditions improved in parts of coastal, eastern and central NSW, with most of the North Coast now in the Non-Drought category,” Dr Clark said.
“While it is pleasing to see early signs of recovery in some areas, without follow-up rainfall, it will take time before we see the benefits for some of our state’s primary producers.
“This means, producers in these areas will continue their on-ground drought management plans.
“Parts of the Central West and Central Tablelands regions received an early spring break, where areas around Parkes, Forbes, Coonamble, Wellington and east of Coonabarabran have retracted into the drought category.”
The latest seasonal update and information on a range of services and support available to primary producers is available on www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.