BATHURST is experiencing one of its driest July’s on record, having received less than three millimetres of rain in 25 days.
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According to Weatherzone, which takes its data from Bathurst Agricultural Station, there has only been 2.4mm of rain over three days this month, more than half of this falling on July 8.
Meteorologist Graeme Brittain said the driest July on record is 1970, where there was just 3.7mm recorded.
Rain is forecast for Saturday, but not enough to catapult Bathurst anywhere near the long-term average of 48.9mm.
“It’ll be in the top 20 driest Julys on record with the rainfall on the weekend,” Mr Brittain said. “It will be a very dry July, especially given recent conditions.”
The outlook for the coming months won’t bring much relief for Bathurst and the Central West either, Mr Brittain said.
“Generally a continuation of dry conditions in August. It is more than likely going to be drier than average,” he said.
September at this stage is expected to be closer to the average rainfall figure.
The lack of rain throughout 2018 has been putting a strain on Chifley Dam, the city’s major water storage.
As of Tuesday, July 24, the dam level was at 54.2 per cent.
There was 30 per cent more in storage at the same time last year.