Winter brought slightly warmer temperatures to Ballarat, with overnight lows averaging around three degrees and daytime temperatures reaching an average of 12.2 degrees, compared with the long-term average of 11.7 degrees. The lowest temperature recorded was minus 1.6 degrees on July 8, well above Ballarat’s record low of minus six degrees, set in 1982. Rain was also a defining feature of the season, with more than 282 millimetres recorded across the three months — the highest winter rainfall in 12 years. The wettest day came on August 10, when 42.4 millimetres of rain was recorded.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting warmer and drier conditions in Victoria this spring as well as below-average rainfall likely across the region. Ballarat’s average maximum temperature typically climbs from around 14 degrees in September, to 17 in October and then to 20 in November, while rainfall typically ranges between 56 and 70 millimetres each month.
The predicted hotter and drier spring conditions across the state could bring an earlier start to the fire season. The CFA notes that although Victoria has seen above-average rainfall since April, some areas remain dry below the surface and contain dead vegetation, increasing the risk of fire. Drought-affected regions such as the far south-west, the Surf Coast, areas of West Geelong and East Gippsland are expected to experience above-average fire risk. However, the Ballarat region has remained at average fire risk. The CFA also warns that spring can bring other extreme weather events, such as flash flooding and thunderstorms, so locals should remain vigilant and prepared.
Meantime, reservoir water storage levels in the Ballarat region have increased substantially over the past year. Central Highlands Water shows an increase from 47 per cent to 65 per cent in total water storage across Ballarat. Reservoirs such as Kirks, Gong Gong, Newlyn, Pincotts, Beales and Cosgrave have all reached 100 per cent storage capacity, while the remaining surrounding reservoirs have also steadily increased. Ballarat’s reservoirs play an important role in storing water for the region, helping supply homes, businesses and industry, while also supporting recreation and the local environment.
