kcPSA: We're in the middle of another multi-day heatwave in this Victoria, and a watch and act out for a fire that flared last night in extremely inaccessible territory west of Halls Gap (Boroka Track for those that know the area).
PSA: in news that should surprise absolutely nobody - the widespread rain in Australia isn't. It's not even hit 1ml in these parts and from the looks of the radar - that's it.
Stand by to not see news stories about how dire things are now.
Just as a reminder to self - when they say it's been raining a lot in Australia, it's a big place and they never mention rural areas. In the last few months we've had, I think the technical term is buggerall rain. In fact in February - we got a whole 3mls.
No wonder we're about to buy in a heap more water because while that was going on we had maximums of 39 degrees, with 930 lightning strikes nearby.
Total fire ban for 2nd October in the Mallee, after a weekend of fires everywhere, including some very serious shit going down in Gippsland this afternoon. This is not "normal" and it's not part of a standard cycle. No matter how much deniers sit in their corners and throw tantrums.
kcMagpies swooping have currently got nothing on the pair of lapwings nesting down near the back dam somewhere.
The staffy got such a fright the other night she headed home on her own, quivering after being swooped at with considerable force and dedication.
I do grant her - the sound of an incoming lapwing is really designed to focus your attention!
Having pothole (crater) dodged my way to and from Ballarat today I am staying put for the next couple. At 7C / 4pm it is a tad on the chilly side.
Well I think we can safely say the BOM got it wrong again. Only this time in our favour wrong. Very wrong. 112.7mls wrong. So. Bloody. Relieved. It's been so so so dry. Of course this doesn't solve any long term problems and is just another example of extremes. Meaning destocking and removals of permanent plantings will continue.
Next LNP supporter who tries to tell me this is normal is going to get their ears pinned back. Hard.
43.8mls of rain so far in the current weather band. So far no sign of damaging winds but there are reports of flooding from areas more East of us. Here it's just utter relief. There is water going into tanks that have been teetering on empty for ages. I think I can safely predict that it will be hot showers all round tonight!
Weather stats from our Tempest for May 2023 / Central West Victoria Australia
Lowest temp 0.6 on the 23rd
Highest temp 20.8 on the 15th
Lightning strikes 0
Rain 28mls
UV index average 0.6 / peaked at 6.9
Relative Humidity 78 / maximum of 96 on 12th
Weather stats from our Tempest for April 2023 / Central West Victoria Australia
Lowest temp 1.5 on the 30/4
Highest temp 26.6 on the 5/4
Lightning strikes 49
Rain 34.4mls (spread across the month)
UV index average 1.1 / peaked at 8.8
Relative Humidity 75 / maximum of 95 on 3/4