THUNDERSTORMS may be predicted for much of the Central West during the coming week, but meteorologists say the only thing they are likely to bring is dust. The drought-affected region received well below average rainfall during 2018 and forecasters say the hot, dry weather will continue. Recently, a number of dust storms have swept across the region swallowing up towns, cities and visibility. READ MORE: Dust storms can move particles halfway across the Earth, expert says Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said Central West communities should expect dust storms to occur for the foreseeable future. “Theres always a good chance, especially when theres no plants to hold the dirt down,” she said. “The dust storm events will probably keep happening until the vegetation grows.” Ms Westcott said even if the Central West did receive decent rainfall, the dust storms could keep occurring. “It may be further west from you that the dust is coming, it could come from South Australia,” she said. “It starts usually as a sand storm and then the sand falls out and the dust continues. READ MORE: Dust storm cancels New Years Eve fireworks “The move soil and nutrients across the region.” Weatherzone forecasting shows the Central West should receive its long-term average rainfall this month, however, Ms Westcott said any rainfall this week would be “hit and miss”. Meanwhile, the region will swelter in hot temperatures on Friday and Saturday with some areas to soar as high as 40 degrees. READ MORE: Incredible photos of the dust storm that swallowed Dubbo Cowra, Forbes and Grenfell will be the hottest places to be on Friday with a top of 40 degrees. Dubbo, Nyngan, Parkes, Wellington and Young will not be far behind at 39. It will also be hot in Mudgee (36 degrees), Bathurst and Oberon (35 degrees), while Blayney, Lithgow and Orange will see a top of 32. Saturday will be around one or two degrees cooler across the region.
THUNDERSTORMS may be predicted for much of the Central West during the coming week, but meteorologists say the only thing they are likely to bring is dust.
The drought-affected region received well below average rainfall during 2018 and forecasters say the hot, dry weather will continue.
Recently, a number of dust storms have swept across the region swallowing up towns, cities and visibility.
Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said Central West communities should expect dust storms to occur for the foreseeable future.
“Theres always a good chance, especially when theres no plants to hold the dirt down,” she said.
“The dust storm events will probably keep happening until the vegetation grows.”
Hot weather alert. Image: BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY
Ms Westcott said even if the Central West did receive decent rainfall, the dust storms could keep occurring.
“It may be further west from you that the dust is coming, it could come from South Australia,” she said.
“It starts usually as a sand storm and then the sand falls out and the dust continues.
“The move soil and nutrients across the region.”
Weatherzone forecasting shows the Central West should receive its long-term average rainfall this month, however, Ms Westcott said any rainfall this week would be “hit and miss”.
Meanwhile, the region will swelter in hot temperatures on Friday and Saturday with some areas to soar as high as 40 degrees.
Cowra, Forbes and Grenfell will be the hottest places to be on Friday with a top of 40 degrees.
Dubbo, Nyngan, Parkes, Wellington and Young will not be far behind at 39.
It will also be hot in Mudgee (36 degrees), Bathurst and Oberon (35 degrees), while Blayney, Lithgow and Orange will see a top of 32.
Saturday will be around one or two degrees cooler across the region.
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Nyngan Observer
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