AFTER two bumper years of rain, Bendigo received well below the state’s average rainfall in 2012.
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The Bureau of Meteorology’s David Morrison said the first four months of 2012 saw Bendigo experience average rainfall, but in comparison to the past three years, the city had a drier year on average.
“In 2010 and 2011 we had very wet years because of La Nina,” he said.
“In 2012 that went away and there was a move to more natural conditions.
“The last three months of 2012 were well below the state average.”
Mr Morrison said the last three months of 2012 were particularly dry for Bendigo, in contrast to other towns across Victoria.
The average rainfall for October was 41.9 millimetres and Bendigo had an average of 17.4mm.
In November, the average was 47.8mm but Bendigo only had 6.4mm of rain.
In December the average was 42.2mm and Bendigo had 20.8mm.
Mr Morrison said these figures were more than 50 per cent lower than the state average.
“November was really dry. It hasn’t been that dry in Bendigo since the late 1980s,” he said.
“These figures are a reflection of La Nina and show that the wet-weather period has gone.”
Bendigo also experienced above-average temperatures for the year.
Mr Morrison said 2013 would probably bring more hot and dry weather for Bendigo.
“The signs look like it will be a dry start to the year,” he said.
“The outlook is the first three months of the year will be drier than average.”