BOM Explains Why Yea Receives Less Rainfall

Post Date: March 20, 2019
Image: pexels.com

I recently sent in a request to the Bureau of Meteorology for an explanation as to the reason for the rain band splitting near Yea. I received the following reply…..

We often see these kinds of rain effects across eastern Victoria, where the terrain is more complex. Even though Victoria’s ranges aren’t very high in the scheme of things, they’re still high enough to have an impact on the weather, often reducing rainfall in the lee of hills/mountains. This is called the Foehn effect, and even though it usually happens with more significant mountain ranges, it still makes itself felt in lower-lying areas too.

Weather coming directly from the NW has the best chance of reaching Yea. It would likely be driven down the Goulburn Valley from Seymour to Yea.

However, if prevailing winds are more NNW’ly, the Strathbogie ranges to the north may produce some blocking effects, reducing rainfall near Yea. Likewise, if winds are more WNW’ly, Mt Hickey and the other hills to the WNW may have a similar impact.

Unfortunately, when a cold front or rain band move across the state, winds are rarely direct NW’lies, meaning that more often than not Yea receives less than its fair share of rainfall.

Other local effects may also be in play here, but this orographic forcing is the most likely culprit.”

4 Comments

  1. Russ Wealands

    Great work Michael!

    Reply
    • Michael

      Thanks Russ.

      Reply
  2. Jill Dwyer

    Always thought there was a man up there with a giant umbrella. Interesting to know what really happens.

    Reply
  3. Jill Dwyer

    He was there again yesterday

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This