Burrawang Tuesday 19 July

This calm scene at Kiama at 9AM on Tuesday morning gave no clue as to what was on the way. Within an hour  a storm front arrived with high winds and heavy rain which has given many areas more than half the average monthly rainfall for the area in one day.

In the highlands there were reports of light snow in Berrima, Bowral and Moss Vale. The snow melted as it hit the ground so there were no magical photo opportunities. the wet and windy weather is forecast to continue for the next few days. 

Tuesday weather 19th July - Willow Vale

Westerly winds have returned today cooling the clear sunshine outside. I don't mind the cooler sunny days, but it would be a lot nicer without the gusting winds.

I'm behind in my pruning now with the mulberry tree taking on a distinct green flush of fresh new leaves. The timing of these garden jobs are really determined by the plants and weather I imagine....prune the peach trees before the new blossom, prune the mulberry before new leaf burst..oh well.

We had some rain on the weekend a good downpour to soak the garden again and top up the water tanks. There have been a lot of birds in the garden this winter, today I had two first time sightings, a Forest Kingfisher in spectacular shades of turquoise and electric blue, and a White headed Pigeon.

Strong winds are forecast for the next couple of days, hopefully all the trees will cope with another blast.

Tuesday 12 July Burrawang

I am posting a day late but this image looking South ASouth West was  taken at 3PM on Tuesday afternoon. The pattern looks more like wind swept desert sand than clouds. After last weeks gale force winds we have had regular westerly winds today. The wind chill factor is high and even when the temperatures reach 8 or 10 degrees C it is still painful to be outside with uncovered hands.
The soil is also very dry here and yesterday I spent about 30 minutes watering and returned inside with stinging hands that took ages to thaw.
Heavy frosts over night are slow to thaw and the fire is burning 24 hrs a day.
Jonquils and King Alfred daffodils are beginning to appear to cheer up the garden.

Weather Tuesday 12th July - Willow Vale

For the last week winds have dominated outdoor conditions with consistently strong gusts from the west. Thankfully today has been pleasantly calm and windless. With clear skies and cold winds, night temperatures have been in the low single figures. Heaters have been on along with fleecies and scarves.

In the garden winds have dried moisture from the ground rapidly, with small cracks forming in some bare patches amongst the lawn. The mulberry tree holds a handful of old leaves still, but has fresh leaf burst this week too. It's a short winter transition here in the subtropics for some plants. The weather has been good for gardening (as long as I rug up) with sheltered areas even feeling warm in the sunlight.

Southern Highlands Sunday 10 July

After 10 days away I returned on Friday to see the aftereffects of gale force winds which buffeted the highlands during the week. Today it continues to be very windy and I think that trees destabilized earlier in the week may fall.
Driving along Kangaloon Rd this morning I saw this tree which had fallen earlier in the week and had not been cleared as it feel away from the road. It's very unnerving to see how shallow the roots are. i have no idea how big the tree was but the width or the root balls dwarfed me.

Weather Tuesday 5th July 2011, Willow Vale

Brilliant blue clear skies today looked good from inside, but squally gusting winds took the edge off warmth and comfort outdoors. For much of the afternoon gale force winds buffeted the house and garden, sending cascades of leaves to the east and vibrating flyscreens. It's difficult to capture the look of wind in a still photo, perhaps the shredded banana leaves give an indication of the effects of the winds. We had some overnight rain during the week, the days have remained dry and with the wind, watering of the vegie garden is now on the days agenda. A comfortable 20 degrees today with cooler temps overnight predicted for the remainder of this week.