Chilly Start to Winter

Winter has arrived with a cold and wet start this month.

Susie Murphy White reports that the accumulation of winter chill has been above average, with all locations experiencing the highest 10% of years for this point in the season. While some regions like Donnybrook have had low rainfall, we need the wet days to continue to fill up the dams for the season ahead. 

The Manjimup weather station has accumulated 31 chill portions, which is in the highest 10% of years with 181 chill hours and 406 units. The year-to-date rainfall for Manjimup is 352mm, which is above the median for this time of year. 

The Donnybrook weather station has accumulated 21 chill portions, which is in the highest 10% of years with 243 chill hours and 225 units. Unfortunately, the year-to-date rainfall for Donnybrook is in the lowest 10% of years at 231mm. 

The Bickley weather station has accumulated 27 chill portions, which is above the highest 10% of years with 118 chill hours and 297 units. The year-to-date rainfall for Bickley is 450mm, which is above the median for this time of year.  

See details in tables below