Another dry year

A late spring deluge has saved West Gippsland from recording one of its lowest annual rainfalls.

The district had recorded only 480mm of rain to September 30, before 356.8mm fell in the final three months.

However, the annual total of 836.8mm was well below the 115-year average of 1012.7mm and only a slight improvement on the 759.4mm in 2024.

Traditionally known as an area with an annual rainfall over 1000mm, West Gippsland's recorded rainfall has only topped that mark five times since the turn of the century.

And, the district had been tracking to break records, with January to September only recording 480mm.

In comparison, 2024 - which recorded the lowest rainfall in 18 years - had 594.6mm in that period, while 2006 - a year in which only 674.9mm of rain fell - recorded 567.7mm.

The year concluded with below average rainfall in December.
The 69.4mm recorded over 10 days took the year's total to 836.8mm, some 170mm below the long-term average.

Significant falls for the month included 28mm on December 22, 13.6mm on December 2 and 12.2mm.

It wasn't the only month to record below average rainfall, with just four months - March, July, October and November - achieving significant rain.

A dry January opened 2025, with just 10.2mm recorded. It was immediately followed by just 35.4mm in February.

March produced a slightly above average 70.22, before just 46.6mm in April and a significantly low 36.6mm in May. June wasn't much better with 42.6mm, but July delivered with a just above average 103.8mm.

August saw rain of about half the monthly average, with 58.6mm. September produced just 76mm.

Traditionally our wettest month, October delivered with a 121.8mm followed by a 70mm above average 165.6mmm in November.

The Bureau of Meterology's outlook for the next three months shows West Gippsland's chances of higher than average rainfall is 60 to 65 per cent, however, chances of higher maximum temperatures is 70 to 75 per cent.

For January, chances of higher rainfall sat at about the 50 per cent mark, with a 65 to 70 per cent chance of higher maximum temperatures ahead.

Despite this, water restrictions are unlikely across West Gippsland in the next 12 months, according to Gippsland Water acting managing director Chris Wood.

Gippsland Water released its Annual Water Outlook late last month, confirming its urban water storage levels across the service area remain secure.

"We expect storage levels to remain adequate throughout the summer period and well into 2026," Mr Wood said. "Past investment in infrastructure across the region is serving us well, and customers can be confident in our preparation for the warmer months."

His comments follow Melbourne Water stating its water storages had recorded their steepest annual decline since the Millennium Drought.

Inflows to Melbourne's storages were 36 per cent below the 30-year average, including the lowest January-June inflows on record.

However, Mr Wood said recent water security improvements made by Gippsland Water, such as securing a bulk entitlement purchase in the Greater Yarra-Thomson Pool, would help secure Warragul and Drouin's supply.

Despite the strong position heading into summer, Mr Wood reminded customers that permanent water saving rules remained in place all year-round.

"It's important to remember to use water responsibly, to ensure a reliable service for everyone when demand increases," he added.

Permanent restrictions include making sure hoses are fitted with a trigger nozzle and are leak-free; using sprinklers only between 6pm and 10am; only use recirculated water features; and, not using water to clean hard surfaces like driveways.

The Gazette's annual rainfall chart appears in the centre of today's paper.