28th January 2003: Weak storms develop South of Tamworth - the Duri Storm Chase
Conditions were very marginal for the 28th January. The BOM indicated that there was a chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, although I didn't hold out much hope given the hot dry air that dominated much of the day - perfect blue sky, baking oven-like heat at the surface, a max of 38 degrees.
At about 4.30pm I noticed some Cb's developing to the SSW of Tamworth around the Duri area and decided to head out for a look. As I approached Warral (Werris Creek Rd) I noticed raised dust and could smell the rain in the air. I stopped the car to take a few photos and heard a few distant rumbles, but observed no lightning. Back in the car, I few drops of rain fell as I approached Duri but the the cells were moving to the East I turned down the Dungowan Rd. The Dungowan Road became gravel about 2kms East of Duri, but it looked to be in good condition and so I continued. Some heavy rain had fallen another kilometre along the gravel, but the road continued to be in good condition, with only the occasional pot hole. The view from the Dungowan Rd was very impressive (scenery wise), and with two small weak cells having developed it offered the opportunity for some nice tree-free photos. There was very little structure in either cell, there being insufficent moisture to sustain much development and both cells broke down rapidly. Not a great chase, but after 4 days of hot dry conditions I was glad to be standing under a few cooling raindrops!
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