Better than expected March rainfall – the weather with Paul Rosser

A good month for rain in March 2023.  We got 32.0mm for the month taking our YTD to 58.0mm.   It rained on 10 of the 31 days.

How did this compare with other years:

2023                     32.0mm               58.0mm YTD

2022                     4.5mm                 50.5mm

2021                     20.0mm               59.5mm

2020                     8.5mm                 58.0mm

2019                     4.0mm                 14.5mm

2018                     8.5mm                 18.0mm

2017                     7.0mm                 83.5mm

2016                     29.5mm               94.0mm

2015                     7.5mm                 46.0mm

2014                     8.0mm                 68.0mm

2013                     15.0mm               34.0mm

2012                     40.0mm               115.0mm

So, March 2023 was the second highest rainfall since we came to the Village in 2012, when it was 40.0mm.   We are about mid field as far as YTD is concerned, the best being 115.0mm in 2012.

Neutral is the key word this month.  The Indian Ocean & the Pacific Ocean are in neutral mode.  La Niña has now collapsed & is in a “Watch” position.  Some believe it will return next spring but others are waiting & seeing.

The affect on our weather is mixed:

* Rainfall for the next three months will be below average but should improve in spring,

*Day time temperatures will be average for the quarter & night time temperatures a little higher than usual,

*Our top soil is average for this time but I’d still water the garden in early to mid April,

*Our water storage is at 90% full,

*There may be a Tropical Cyclone or two up north during early April,

*Bush fire risk is normal for this time of year.

As far as the First Nations People are concerned we are leaving Waritati (their summer) & entering Parnati (Autumn/early winter).  Indicators of the change in season are:

*A star near the moon (Parna) in April,

*Cold mornings with some fog/mist,

*Rainfall increasing with possible flooding,

*Some fallen trees.

*Mullet in the shallows,

*Kangaroos, Wallabies & Goannas for food,

*Roots, Yams, Wild Cabbage & seeds eaten,

*Fish in the estuaries,

*Birdlife plentiful

At this time the Kaurna People moved back to the foothills & made skin rugs & seaweed cloaks for winter.

The farmers in our group will be looking forward to Anzac Day – it is the time rain begins in earnest, so they say.

Stay safe at Easter & I’ll report again in early May.

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Paul Rosser

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