Driest year on record for parts of NSW

Drought conditions continue for many regions across New South Wales, with figures revealing some towns have experienced the least rainfall in recorded history for the January to June period.

Broken Hill and Cobar are having their driest start year on record with only 18.2mm falling in Broken Hill and 24.4mm in Cobar since the 1st of January 2018. Records go back to 1889 for Broken hill and 1902 in Cobar.

Wilcannia in western has received just 25.4mm to July 1st which makes it the driest start to a year since 1927 when they received just 19.2mm.

While the bulk of rainfall deficiencies have been recorded in NSW this year, several locations across southern QLD, northern VIC have seen their driest start for many years. Murravilly in western Victoria is having its driest year since 1911 when records began with just 50.8mm falling so far.

With no immediate rainfall expected, drier than average conditions are likely to extend through to October at least for many parts of NSW.

Image 1, 6 monthly deciles rainfall for NSW/ACT. Image 2, August to October rainfall outlook.