Rainfall in SWWA used to be considered the most consistent and very reliable when it comes to rainfall in Australia. The SWWA region derives much of its rainfall from passing cold fronts and associated storms, which is expected as it being typical features of a winter synoptic pattern and form part of the atmospheric circulation. However annual rainfall in SWWA has declined by approximately 10% since 1970, with a noticeable shift toward drier winter conditions continuing to this day. Not only has the number of winter storms decreased but also those that do occur bring less rainfall then what they used to.
“This sharp drop in rainfall occurred at the same time as a global change in the atmospheric circulation.” (IOCI 2007). The last few decades
“This sharp drop in rainfall occurred at the same time as a global change in the atmospheric circulation.” (IOCI 2007). The last few decades