Parts of the country are in severe drought and facing a daunting summer. Other parts are drenched after cyclones swept through.

There have already been early severe bushfires and the threat of another Black Saturday is always on the horizon.

A storm front recently swept through central Victoria, taking with it parts of roofs, trees and causing minor flooding. On Sunday waves of thunderstorms crossed central and northern Victoria - a spectacular light show with fire risks.  Yes, the weather has become a touch topsy-turvy

There’s another system bearing down on central Victoria. This time, flash flooding is predicted - isolated falls of up to 100m could be dumped on towns which have, historically, struggled to cope with deluges

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There will be the debate. About the storms being evidence for climate change. That it’s not climate change,  just normal weather patterns. Whatever the cause, the weather has become a key water cooler moment – to talk about carports flooding, drains overflowing and heatwaves.

We love a weather story, from the SES telling us to batten down the hatches to punditting on whether the Bureau of Meterology will get the forecast right. We look to the skies and wonder if we need to dash home to bring in the washing, tether down anything that could blow away (keep an eye on the trampoline), put the car inside and clear out the gutters.  

We track weather by posting pictures and video of lightning and debris, and Facebook how it has upset our plans (events cancelled, barbecues postponed).

While we bemoan a storm’s inconvenience, spare a thought for our farmers.

Broadacre farmers are rushing to bring in crops already delayed by fire and rain – and there’s a way to go in some areas. Cherry and stone fruit growers in central Victoria are tracking the weather hoping for a break in the weather to bring in their Christmas crops. 

Let’s hope Mother Nature is kind.

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