Couple wants BOM to replace them after 63 years of weather reports
Weather watchers seek automatic station after 63 years recording data in Victoria.
The Coles arrived in 1963 when Ernie was a forestry officer. Merrillyn took over recording duties to help him get to work early.
The Coles have sent rainfall totals to the Bureau of Meteorology ever since. The Coles recorded even while raising children.
Mitta Mitta has collected weather records since 1915. The couple worry accuracy will suffer if no one replaces them.
Friend Russell "Ned" Kelly covers during their rare trips away. The BOM runs more than 650 automatic stations nationwide.
But it has not confirmed plans for Mitta Mitta. It said it wants another volunteer to come forward.
- 63 years since 1963
- Years recording
- Since 1915
- Local records span
- More than 650 nationwide
- BOM automatic stations
- Russell Kelly, retired pilot and neighbour
- Backup recorder
Why it mattersLong-term local weather records help farmers and communities understand rainfall patterns. They reveal climate trends over many years.
AustraliaRegional Victoria's most reliable 111-year weather record faces a succession crisis that could affect agricultural planning and local climate monitoring.
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