Winter Storms - What a Surprise!

There are unusually unstable weather patterns over Western Queensland at the moment, as we are experiencing thunderstorms and even hail............in the middle of winter. There has even been reasonable although patchy rainfall. This is great for soil moisture levels, however the anticipated cold snap and frosts that will follow in the next few weeks will be sure to zap some of the nutritional value from the pastures.

The thunder rumbles - a most amazing winter surprise!

Storm Rain is Great Rain

Storm Rain is Great Rain

In recent weeks, there have been isolated thunderstorms in the Western Queensland region. These storms may range from a few disappointing drops that speckle the dust with mini craters, through to deluges with serious amounts of water which falls to the ground. It is not often that the storm rains which precede the wet season are widespread, or provide any long term steady rain. However, these storms may contain damaging hail, loud thunder, brillant lightning shows and strong, gusting winds.

The photos above are of the Barcoo River at Retreat, near Jundah and show the River in June 2009, and last week after recent storms had deposited water in the area.