Total rainfall for both Warwick and Stanthorpe for 2018 was around 200mm less than the long-term averages for both towns, Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) records show.
Figures collected at the official BOM Warwick weather station – located at The Hermitage Research Station outside town – show Warwick received a total of 461.9mm in 2018, compared to the long-term average of 681.6mm, a deficit of 219.7mm.
October was the wettest month last year with 117.2mm recorded, while June was the driest with just 5mm.
Stanthorpe town fared slightly better, with a total of 568.1mm recorded at the BOM station on Leslie Parade, as against the long-term average of 765.8mm, a deficit of 197.7mm.
The wettest month in Stanthorpe was also October, with 173.8mm recorded while the driest was May with 2.6mm.
The Southern Downs Regional Council area remains drought-declared and is on ‘high’ level urban water restrictions, with a maximum daily ‘per person’ water use target of 170 litres.
The highest level of urban restrictions is ‘extreme’ with a 140 litre per day target. The council’s water patrol officers are operating and penalties apply for breaches of water restrictions.
• For more information on the current restrictions visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/water—wastewater/water-restrictions
• For information on drought assistance available for primary producers visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/drought-assistance-information
