Solid rain over drought-hit Australian states on the long weekend was a good start for the winter wet, but more is needed if regional areas are going to recover from record dry months.
Weatherzone said a low-pressure system and a series of cold fronts brought “multiple rounds” of rain and snow to parts of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales.
“Five-day rainfall totals of about 20mm to 50mm were observed in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and southern NSW,” Weatherzone reported.
“Some areas saw heavier falls, including the mainland alps and south-west Victoria.”
Top totals included Mount Sabine in Victoria’s Otway Ranges with 130mm in 48 hours before 9am Monday.
Weatherzone said 2025 rain totals so far were more than 50mm below long-term averages for parts of South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Year-to-date totals at the end of May were 200mm below average in parts of Victoria, and 400mm below average in parts of Tasmania.
So much more rain is needed to break the drought.
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“Southern and south-eastern Australia will need to see more healthy rain-bearing systems this winter to further reduce or wipe out the longer-term rainfall deficiencies,” Weatherzone said.
“With the past week’s rain in the ground, at least the season is off to a positive start.”
