Record January rainfall

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), 46.6mm of rain had fallen between Thursday afternoon and 9am Friday, making Friday the wettest day this month so far.

The BOM recorded 23mm fell in 22 minutes.

An additional 12.6mm of rain fell for the remainder of Friday, taking January’s rainfall total so far to 70mm.

While the month isn’t over yet, it’s already been the most rain the town has received for a January in 20 years.

The BOM recorded 89.2mm of rain in January 1996 - and 178.6mm - Young’s highest on record for January - the year prior.

Apart from 10mm of rain on January 5 and 6 this year, Young had barely seen a drop until last Thursday.

Our current total also surpasses the long term January average of 38.6mm by almost double.

Summer crop prospects were already boosted following the mid to late December and early January rainfall.

Local farmers’ spirits were further uplifted last week after almost two weeks of no rain and some very hot temperatures.

Local agronomist Paul Parker said last week’s rain was variable, with some areas in Young receiving only 13mm to 18mm.

But overall he said it was a good result and farmers were happy.

“The only thing is there will be massive amounts of summer weeds coming that are not suitable for stockfeed and can be toxic,” he said.

“It’s just an issue farmers need to be aware of.”