Heavy rain forecast for Bunbury

BUNBURY’S summer is set to turn into a strong dose of winter with plenty of rain tipped for tomorrow.

The Bureau of Meteorology has downgraded their rainfall predictions for tomorrow, now tipping between 25mm and 60mm to fall in Bunbury.

BoM had earlier forecast between 50mm and 100mm of rain for Bunbury while heavy falls of up to 170mm were said to be possible for the broader South West district forecast.

BoM spokesman Neil Bennett said it was “always problematic” to predict exactly how much rain would fall in Bunbury.

A broad cloud band would cover much of the region and it would only need to move slightly for the heaviest falls to either hit or miss Bunbury.

“The 100mm prediction would be right at the highest end and would be in an isolated area and not widespread,” Mr Bennett said.

“When you start to see falls like that, if it comes in short and sharp bursts then flash flooding can become an issue.”

Since BoM moved to its Carey Park recording site in 1995, the most rain Bunbury has had in a day was 92mm.

This was recorded on July 4, 1999 while there was also 74mm on June 25, 2003.

Mr Bennett said no severe weather warnings have yet been issued by BoM and strong winds were not expected to form part of tomorrow’s weather.

He still advised people to be cautious when travelling on wet roads and clean out any debris that could block drain pipes.

Saturday’s forecast is for between 5mm and 15mm of rain before several days with possible storms but less chance of heavy falls.