Melbourne records wettest April since 1960, Australia
Melbourne recorded 138 mm (5.4 inches) of rain in April 2020, making it the city's wettest April since 1960 when 195 mm (7.8 inches) was recorded. Unseasonably low temperatures were also recorded and almost 50 cm (19.7 inches) of snow across Victoria's ski resorts.
A total of 401 mm (15.8 inches) of rain was recorded as of Thursday, April 30, the highest end-of-April total since 1924 when nearly 410 mm (16.1) fell. The year-to-date total has also surpassed the total amount recorded in the city during the entire 2019 — 378.8 mm (14.9 inches). It's worth noting that rainfall in Greater Melbourne during 2019 was generally below average, with most months drier than average, but May, June, and August were wetter than average. Annual rainfall totals ranged from 66% of average at Wallan (Kilmore Gap) and Laverton RAAF to 93% of average at Coldstream. For Melbourne city, 2019 was the third driest year on record.
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Chris Arvier said the state had seen significant rainfall in 24 hours to April 30, particularly across the northeast.
Meanwhile, almost 49 cm (19 inches) of snow blanketed deserted ski resorts in the state's alpine regions as temperatures pummeled to -2 °C (28.4 °F). Mount Buller had more than 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in 24 hours to April 30.
Victoria has shivered through an early blast of winter with the Alps turning white.
Heavy rain, hail and more snow falls are expected as temperatures plummet tomorrow. @DougalBeatty @maddieslattery #melbweather #9News pic.twitter.com/aPFezdRwaV
— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) April 30, 2020
An early taste of #winter at #mtbuller! The snow level is forecast to drop to around 900m overnight, with showers and cold conditions continuing statewide tomorrow. Stay up to date with forecasts and warnings here: https://t.co/Vh7oBnnwq5 #VicWeather pic.twitter.com/1gRXpCEiQG
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) April 30, 2020
The city is tonight being hit by an Antarctic blast of winter with our wettest April in 60 years. It's expected to be even harsher tomorrow, although it makes for a stunning sight in our alpine regions. https://t.co/1LWlD5oG0j @BlakeJohnson #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/Hnj6GPGJ9P
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 30, 2020
The State Emergency Service attended to 96 calls on Thursday, including seven in Emerald, five in Northcote, four in Maroondah, three in Point Cook, and two each in Healesville, Croydon North, and Mount Waverley. 46 of the emergency calls were for fallen trees, 21 for damaged buildings, and 13 for flooding.
Arvier said Friday is "going to be a cold and unpleasant day" as chilly conditions are forecast for the day.
Featured image credit: BOM Victoria
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