The city is about 163mm short of the target, according to Bureau of Meteorology statistics that reveal two of the past 10 months have received well above average rainfall.

By yesterday morning, Dubbo’s 2008 official rainfall tally had reached almost 421mm.

The total figure was boosted by about 153mm in January and almost 64 mm in September.

Average rainfall for January is 60.7 mm and 42.8mm for September, based on data kept from the past 133 years.

Other monthly totals this year have nudged towards average rainfall figures, except for March, April and May.

After the downpour in January 2008, about 43 mm fell in February, roughly 10mm less than the month’s long-term average.

In March, April and May, 27.4mm, 1.4mm and 7.2mm of rain was recorded respectively.

Corresponding averages for the months are 47.5mm, 44.1mm and 46.7mm.

In June 2008 the heavens released 32 mm, 17.4 mm less than the long-term monthly average of 49.4.

About 31mm of rain fell in July and 33.6mm in August this year.

Average rainfall for those months is 44.4mm and 44.8mm.

By yesterday morning, 28mm was the official amount of rain to have fallen in October. Its average sits at 49.3mm.

Long-term averages for November and December are 51.2mm and 50.2mm.

The bureau statistics show Dubbo is nowhere near receiving the record 1329.3mm that fell in 1950.

On the other hand the city is faring better in 2008 than in 1919 when its lowest annual rainfall of 287.5 was recorded.

The bureau’s calculations are based on data collected from the late 1800s to the present day.

kim.bartley@ruralpress.com