After record-breaking March rainfall the Illawarra can expect even more, with above-average precipitation expected in the coming months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bureau of Meteorology's three-month climate outlook says the chance of exceeding the long-term median rainfall from May to June across the Illawarra ranges from 68 to 70 per cent.
This is because the La Nina weather pattern, while weakening, continues to have an influence.
"High stream flows, wet soils and forecasts for above-average rainfall mean the risk for widespread flooding persists across many parts of eastern Australia," senior hydrologist Dr Paul Feikema said.
Beaumont, west of Berry, recorded the highest rainfall of anywhere in Australia in March, followed by Robertson, both of which had over a metre of rain in March.
Kiama's Brighton Street weather station captured 904.2 millimetres - its highest monthly rainfall since opening in 2003.
It was a record-breaking month for Shellharbour Airport too, where 670.6 millimetres was recorded - more than half of the rainfall it saw in the entirety of its wettest ever year.
Bellambi's weather station did not record a March total, due to it being offline for almost half the month.
However, La Nina appears to be past its peak and conditions will likely return to neutral in late autumn.
Over the April to June period daytime temperatures in the Wollongong local government area could be higher than usual, while nights across the whole region are also forecast to be warmer than average.
The BOM says human-induced global warming is having an impact, with Australia's climate having warmed by almost 1.5 degrees between 1910 and 2020.
Rainfall over the April to October period in southern Australia has fallen 10 to 20 per cent in recent decades, the agency says, while at the same time there has been a trend towards short, high-intensity rainfall events contributing a greater proportion of rainfall, especially in the north of the country.
Meanwhile, weather warnings remain current for the Illawarra, which is forecast to receive strong to damaging winds and big surf.
Very heavy surf with waves over 5 metres are expected to continue throughout Friday and into Saturday.
This could lead to localised damage and coastal erosion.
Conditions on beaches, especially those facing south, could be dangerous.
People should stay out of the surf and well away from surf-exposed areas.
Winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h, with peak gusts of around 100 km/h, are likely to continue from the Mid North Coast along to the Far South Coast on Friday and through to dawn on Saturday.
The saturated soils mean these winds bring a heightened risk of toppling trees and powerlines.
Boaters should also be aware of a strong marine wind warning for Friday, which will intensify into gale winds on Saturday.
The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is funded by our readers. You can subscribe to support our journalism here.
Sign up for breaking news emails below...
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
