Rain

This summer, rainfall in Queensland has been extraordinary. Even if it were possible to isolate emotion from the devastation caused by it, the numbers are compelling.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported December as the “Wettest December on Record”. Average precipitation across the state was five inches higher than average. On Xmas day alone, more than a foot of rain fell in one location. In another part of the Sunshine State, 32 inches fell for the month (27 inches more than the long term average.) January was equally oppressive. Four inches higher than normal across the state, some locations received more than 20 inches above their long term averages.

And then there was Category 5, Cyclone Yasi. Perhaps the largest cyclone ever to be seen in Australia, it crossed the eastern seaboard in the first few days of February. Blanketing more than 621 miles (north-south), it brought another foot of rain to Queensland.

It is little wonder that a grey sky makes most residents pause to consider how much water it contains.