Cold change and rainfall for Victoria 27/4/2008
A strong cold front continues to make its way across Victoria however rainfall continues to be patchy to moderate depending on location.
Best Rainfall for 24 hours from 9 am 26/4/2008 to 9 am 27/4/2008.
Looking at rainfall distribution for Melbourne, the city's western and northern suburbs received light falls of between 0.8 and 9 mm such as 7 mm at the airport and 8 mm in the city. The eastern, north eastern and south eastern suburbs received more moderate falls of between 12 and 18 mm such as 12 mm at Scoresby. Orographic rainfall is evident along the Dandenong Ranges.
The main cloud mass is currently over NE Victoria (1 pm - 2 pm). Moderate rain has occurred on the highest peaks of Victoria such as Falls Creek 16 mm, Mt Buller 26 mm, Mt Hotham 27 mm (Highest in the state) and 22 mm at Harrietville. Albury received 12 mm, Beechworth and Lake Hume received 9 mm each.
Away from the ranges, rainfall was light in NW Victoria (Mildura 4 mm and Horsham 5 mm). Western areas received light to moderate falls such as 16 mm at Portland Airport, Cape Nelson 21 mm and Dunns Hill 15 mm. Falls of 5 mm were common around centres such as Horsham and Stawall.
The northern plains received only light falls such as 6 mm at Bendigo and 6 mm at Echuca. Many other centres received lighter falls typically 4 - 6 mm.
Certainly not a significant rain event. Away from the main cloud mass currently over NE Victoria, some showers are occurring over southern and mountain districts in the cold SW airstream. One or two of these may contain small hail but this is currently not significant.
However, this is a cold change and a sheep farmers warning is in force for southern and mountain districts. Conditions will moderate Monday and a new high pressure cell should establish itself over the state Tuesday - Wednesday.
Harley Pearman
