A strong cold front moving through south-eastern Australia is expected to bring rain to South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria from Friday into the weekend, but forecasters say it will not be enough to alleviate the ongoing drought.
Senior Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Dean Narramore said the front moved across South Australia overnight, with a rain band reaching western New South Wales and western Victoria by Friday morning. Rainfall totals of 10 to 20mm were recorded in parts of South Australia, including the Adelaide Hills and Eyre Peninsula, while eastern areas saw five to 10mm.
In Victoria, the rain bands brought five to 10mm to western parts by Friday morning. Narramore said many areas could expect 10 to 20mm over the weekend, with some locations receiving up to 25mm, particularly around the central and eastern ranges.
Despite the wet weather, Narramore noted that the dry cropping regions in South Australia and Victoria have seen very little rainfall over the past 12 to 18 months. He estimated that 20 to 30 similar events would be needed to make a significant impact on the drought, which has affected sheep, cattle and dairy producers for nearly a decade in some areas.
