Rain tracking below average

Rain across the Wimmera is tracking below average for the year-to-date, with a drier than normal start to autumn forecast to continue.

Horsham’s rain total year-to-date is 42 millimetres, compared with an average of about 90mm at the same time of year.

Stawell rain totals are tracking about 50mm below average for the same time of year, with 50.8mm recorded in 2023 so far.

Ararat has recorded 58.6mm to date, compared with an average of 143.8mm for the same time of year, while Nhill has recorded 27.4mm compared with an average 78.9mm.

need, we still have markets to sell to. We have developed a trade agreement with the United Kingdom from this, are in final negations with the European Union on an agreement and formed the India Economic Strategy.”

Mr Jochinke said the industry was now waiting to see action behind the words and was cautiously optimistic for a positive outcome.

“When China starts booking trades again that’s when we know the worst is probably behind us,” he said.

“The industry welcomes moves made by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Trade Minister Don Farrell to rebuild a relationship that was in tatters.”

In Warracknabeal, 32.6mm of rain has been tallied compared with an average of 88.1mm and in Edenhope, 59.2mm of rain has been recorded compared with an average of 115.3mm.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts below median rain is likely to continue from May to July for most of Australia. May to July maximum temperatures are likely to be warmer than the median for almost all of Australia.

The bureau stated the forecast was influenced by an El Niño-Southern Oscillation-neutral pattern, ENSO, that is tending towards El Niño in the latter part of the forecast period.

An ENSO-neutral pattern means the weather pattern is not El Niño or La Niña. It is also influenced by the chance that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, IOD, event might develop in the coming months. An El Niño watch is current.

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