I've got a mate that has been predicting the end of the drought on the basis of phases of the moon and other impenetrable signs. He is bound to be right soon, because he has predicted the end of the drought every year for ten years. I was chatting with him the other day and told him it was my gut feeling that the drought might break this autumn, to which he replied he was certain it would be raining by then.

Fair enough, the weather bureau is sort of cautiously agreeing with him too. This from the latest seasonal outlook.

The outlook for total February to April rainfall, shows a moderate shift in the odds towards above average falls in western Victoria and also along parts of the central coast. The pattern of seasonal rainfall odds across Victoria is mainly a result of higher than average temperatures in the Pacific Ocean (because of El Niño).

The odds of greater falls in the nominated area are about 65%. But I reckon the most interesting sign pointing to the end of the drought came from another mate who was talking to an old farmer on the Murray River at Echuca. The farmer was telling my friend that he had not seen so many joeys* in pouches in a very long time. That means the kangaroos must be feeling there is going to be plenty of feed soon.

Come on Skippy, I know you can do it, make it rain.

*Joey is the name for a baby kangaroo that lives in its mothers pouch and is dependant on her.

Labels: drought, Skippy