Rain in October was insufficient to improve overall drought conditions in the region: Weatherzone

Brett Dutschke, a senior meteorologist with Weatherzone, said next week is likely to be dry in the region. 

“From mid-next week we do have an increased chance of getting some rain and it looks like it will be mainly in the form of showers and thunderstorms,” he said.

“The northernmost areas of the Central West do look like having the best chance of getting thunderstorms, which means Mudgee might get more rain than the Bathurst, Parkes and Forbes areas.   

“The next best chance of getting widespread rain, which could be in the form of showers and thunderstorms, is on the next weekend.”

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Mr Dutschke said the temperature is expected to increase next week.

“Temperature-wise, it looks like we will start with cool nights and mornings. Days are going to be mild and mostly sunny,” he said.

“But it is going to gradually warm up during next week and ahead of the increased chances of showers and thunderstorms.”  

The rainfall data suggests that Orange, Bathurst, Parkes and Oberon received less than their average rain for October. 

Dubbo, Lithgow and Forbes received more than their average rain in October.

“Dubbo got most of its rain around October 4. It was during the widespread rain across parts of western NSW. Dubbo was fortunate to be in the right spot at that time,” Mr Dutschke said.

He said the above-average rain in Dubbo, Lithgow and Forbes will only have a small effect in improving the overall drought conditions in these areas.

“The rainfall deficit is in excess of 300 to 400 millimetres in the Central West over a period of 12 months,” he said.