Predicting Weather Patterns
An information session for the local community to learn how to read and use past information to predict future weather events
Capacity to Deliver - LP021-014
The issue
In an area that relies very heavily on rain to grow crops and feed for livestock it is important that farmers are able to understand the weather to make informed decisions as there is considerable financial risk involved.
An information session provided to the community in September gave participants the latest predicted weather patterns over the coming seasons, highlighted where people can find relevant information and how to interpret it.
The solution
Luke Shelley and Catherine Semmler presented to teach attendees on how to read weather information and use this to their advantage when making decisions regarding varieties and extent of crops grown, expected irrigation implications regarding supply and pricing in the immediate to short term. A long term weather trend perspective was also provided - this indicated the degree of annual variability expected which is useful for longer term planning purposes.
The impact
Ten people attended the online webinar.
Post event feedback highlighted that some attendees didn’t have a great deal of understanding about weather patterns and understanding forecasts before attending the workshop. Others attended to expand their knowledge on how the weather affects rural communities and farmers. Luke and Cathy both presented a range of information on how you can look at future weather patterns to better understand how this will affect cropping and livestock.
Learnings
Attendance was far below the event average for WMLIG face-to-face events. The webinar was a first trialled by WMLIG and reinforced that local people relish the social interaction aspects of capacity building events, not just the subject matter. Local attendance was disappointing, but likely a function of both connectivity issues experienced on rural and remote properties, as well as lack of online experience and therefore enthusiasm by the audience in the region.
Another interesting learning was whether people understood that when the BOM state a 90% chance of 5-10mm they actually mean there is a 90% chance of taking a rain recording, which is 0.2mm. 80% of people stated they did not know this and the BOM will take this feedback on board to improve communications.
Key facts
- Understanding the weather is critical for farmers to make informed decisions
- Ten people attended the weather webinar
- For more information visit: https://www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/climate-services