Parts of South Australia’s North East Pastoral have received the most significant August falls since the early 70’s.

A low pressure trough has been deepening over inland parts of Queensland, New South Wales and eastern parts of South Australia in the past few days, stimulating the first signs of one of the most widespread rain events since the start of the year. 

To 9am yesterday, Arkaroola picked up 23.6mm making it the heaviest August total since 1987, although this was quickly surpassed as the showers continued to fall delivering 25mm to 9am today, the heaviest August total since 1973.

In the 72 hour period to 9am today, Arkaroola picked up 58.7mm, the heaviest three day total since February’s summer rains. The most interesting part about this system however is how uncharacteristic it is for this time of the year.

To put things in perspective, Arkaroola hasn’t received a three-day total this heavy in August since records started in 1978.

Nearby, Marree picked up 21 mm to 9am today making it the heaviest August rain since 1992. Marree only received 0.1mm over the months of June and July this year so this relatively heavy rain event is a welcome relief.

The trough will edge east throughout the weekend contracting showers over NSW and eastern QLD allowing rainfall to ease over SA. A high pressure ridge will build over central parts of the nation soon after leading to cool overnight temperatures under clear and settled skies.

– Weatherzone