Under 600 mm
600-700 mm
700-800 mm
800-1000 mm
Over 1000 mm

Rainfall

The above map shows the average rainfall for each catchment in the Fitzroy basin .

Overall, rainfall across the basin was average, although it was drier in the Callide, Lower Isaac, Mackenzie and Lower Dawson catchments, and wetter in the Nogoa and Connors catchments.

The 2011-12 year was characterised by a short but intense rainfall spike in Febraury and March across most areas.

Rainfall is a natural climatic driver and provides the source of water for our waterways. The amount, duration and intensity of rainfall impacts directly on water quality and ecology. The Fitzroy Basin has dry winters and wet summers and our reporting revolves around a water year (July to June) for this very fact. By July, rains have petered out and rivers have returned to base flows or, in most cases, stopped flowing completely. Mean annual rainfall varies from 600 mm in the west, to 800 mm in the east, peaking at 1000 mm in northern coastal area.

Data Source: Bureau of Meteorology