Feb 23 • 01:35 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Two-hour downpour in drought-hit town smashes rainfall record

A significant rainstorm in Scone, New South Wales, set a daily rainfall record in just two hours, but farmers express that more rainfall is necessary to alleviate ongoing drought conditions.

Scone, a town in New South Wales, Australia, experienced a remarkable weather event where a two-hour downpour broke the daily rainfall record for the region. With gauge measurements indicating over 102.6 millimeters of rain within a brief period, it provided much-needed moisture to the drought-stricken area. This sudden rainfall has brought relief to local farmers who are hopeful but cautious since they understand that a single rain event is insufficient to end the drought that has plagued their lands for an extended period.

Experts emphasize the importance of consistent rain rather than sporadic downpours to effectively replenish the soil and pastures, which are essential for the agricultural community as winter approaches. Agronomists highlight that while this recent rainfall is a positive sign, it highlights the broader challenges of drought recovery. Local farmers are eager for sustained wet weather to help mitigate the drought's impacts and ensure the viability of their crops and livestock going forward.

Although the Bureau of Meteorology reported record-breaking rain gauges, with private readings estimating even higher totals, farmers remain wary about the lasting effects of this rainfall. They assert that a more comprehensive and steady rainfall pattern will be critical for the region’s long-term agricultural health, hoping for continued weather changes that could provide relief and help restore their livelihoods affected by the prolonged dry conditions.

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