Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
PARTS of the Wimmera have experienced the hottest and driest October on record as region’s bushfire risk intensifies.
New Bureau of Meteorology data shows severe rainfall deficiencies for most of the Wimmera, with Stawell and Ararat experiencing their driest October on record.
Stawell recorded just 1.6 millimetres of rain, the long-term average is 34.6mm, and Ararat recorded 2.8mm.
The average is 55mm.
The previous driest October for both areas was in 2006.
Longerenong had its hottest October average maximum temperature in more than 80 years, with 28.4 degrees.
The average is 20.9 degrees.
Ararat and Warracknabeal had their hottest average maximum temperatures on record, with 26.1 degrees and 28.6 degrees respectively.
Longerenong, Ararat and Warracknabeal also had the highest average October temperature on record.
Stawell recorded its highest minimum temperature on record, with the mercury dipping to only 18.4 degrees on October 16.
The average minimum temperature is 7.3 degrees.
Overall, most parts of the region experienced very low October rainfall.
Horsham had 2.6mm of rain for the month, which was only eight per cent of the October average.
Edenhope recorded 3mm, which was 11 per cent and Nhill recorded 5.2mm, which was 21 per cent.
The hot, dry conditions has meant the Wimmera’s fire season is already under way.
Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said this week was Fire Action Week, which was earlier than usual because of a heightened fire risk.
Country Fire Authority District 17 acting operations manager Trevor Ebbels said dry thunderstorms continue to be a threat, with lightning already causes fires in the region.
He said lightning started a number of fires in the Little Desert National Park last month.
“We saw instant ignition,” he said.
“Normally it takes 24 to 48 hours after a lightning strike for the fire to get going. This was instant.
“It’s an indication of just how dry it is.”
Mr Ebbels said it was important people were cautious about fires this summer, because of water shortages.
“The recreational lakes, the natural lakes are emptying and dams are empty,” he said.
“There is a severe shortage of water available in the district.”
Grains Research and Development Corporation southern regional panel chairman Keith Pengilley said farmers need to take precautions to reduce the risk of machinery fires this harvest.
Many Wimmera farmers have already started harvest.
Mr Pengilley said a dry, early finish to the growing season had heightened concerns about the potential fire risk.
“A number of these previous harvest fires have started in pulse crops, particularly lentils, so extra precautions should be taken when preparing to harvest these crops,” he said.
“However, machinery failure is in many cases responsible for fires starting so it is critical that growers undertake harvester operation checks and regular maintenance leading up to and throughout harvest in an effort to reduce the risk of fire.”
Kondinin Group research has revealed that on average, about seven per cent of harvesters will start a fire each year.