South Australia's Riverland region has experienced a substantial rainfall event, impacting stone fruit growers during a critical time in the harvest season. In areas such as Renmark and Loxton, the Bureau of Meteorology recorded rainfall of 50 and 30 millimeters respectively, with local reports indicating higher totals in certain locales. This unusual weather pattern has resulted in significant damage to stone fruit crops, particularly apricots, with reports of fruit splitting on trees.
Balwinder Singh, a stone fruit grower and packer based in Renmark West, highlighted the timing of the rainfall as particularly detrimental. With the harvest season nearing its conclusion, the rain has not only reduced the yield by at least 10% but also affected the fruit's shelf life. Continuous soaking rain over three days is not a common occurrence for the region, making this event especially challenging for growers.
The Bureau of Meteorology noted that the average rainfall for November in Renmark is typically around 21mm, making the recent downpour highly atypical. Senior forecaster Mark Anolak described the situation as unusual, with steady rain persisting over the Riverland region for an extended 48-hour period. The forecast suggests that humid conditions with the possibility of thundery showers might continue into the mid-week, followed by cooler and drier air moving into the agricultural areas.
For growers like Singh, the rainfall represents a significant hurdle at a time when the quality and quantity of the harvest are paramount. With the stone fruit season in full swing and the Christmas period approaching, the impact of the weather on the industry is a concern for those in the Riverland region.
Source: ABC News