A CRACK of lightning and rumble of thunder yesterday afternoon signalled what is hoped to be the start of a much-needed season break for the South East.
More than 12mm of rain had been recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology’s Mount Gambier weather station by 5pm yesterday, around two hours after the first drops were felt, with rain expected to continue overnight as the region prepares for over 30mm this week.
Although rainfall was forecast yesterday, many were left high and not-so-dry when the storm hit, with residents caught in the elements scrambling for shelter.
Others enjoyed a stroll in the showers, celebrating the first significant downpour in months.
The rain has brought some relief to the region’s agriculture sector, which in recent weeks has highlighted the South East was in dire need of rain to start the crop germination process before temperatures plummet in winter.
Working out at the Glenburnie Saleyards when the rain hit mid-afternoon, Limestone Coast stock agent Dale Keatley welcomed yesterday’s rain, stating the farm sector had been waiting for it.
“We have been banking on wet weather to come before the end of this month so this is perfect for us,” he said.
“People have been a little concerned about what was going to happen if nothing fell, but I think we’re into the swing of it now and we should start getting some pretty consistent rainfall coming into winter.
“I’m confident germination on the ground will get away and feed levels will be back up in the near future.”
Mr Keatley said the rain also benefits stock prices, with more cattle kept to “finish off”.
“We’re seeing fairly average numbers through the market for this time of year,” he said.
“But the more rain we get, the longer people will hold onto their stock which means we’ll fetch better numbers later on.
“Overall I think everyone will be pleased with the weather change and will be positive for the rest of the farming year.”
