Weather News

Heavy rains soak South Australia

In contrast to the record heat wave that has baked South Australia in recent weeks, widespread rain is now inundating eastern inland parts of the state.

This blanket of rainfall is falling from a thick cloud band that is sweeping across the nation bringing cool relief and buckets of rain on its way.

Some of the heavier rainfall totals from Friday to Saturday afternoon:

-Leigh Creek, 47mm
-Hawker, 37mm
-Oodnadatta, 26mm

But the rain continues to pour down heading into tonight, before starting to ease off.

This represents the most significant rain event in about a year, but what is particularly unusual is the November timing. The monthly average rainfall for Leigh Creek is only 17mm, which has almost been tripled over the past 24 hours.

Although this part of the country has been suffering a severe drought this rain event is not all good news, as farmers efforts to harvest are hampered by the deluge of water; a reminder of the fickle nature of Australian weather.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2009

More weather news