While the weekend’s downpour watered thirsty gardens and greened parched lawns, early signs it had any major effect on water supplies are not good.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded a total of 73mm of rain at the Orange Airport between Saturday morning and Monday lunchtime.

Falls of up to 80mm were recorded in suburban Orange.

The rainfall resulted in Suma Park Dam rising from 27.51 per cent capacity on Friday to 27.86 per cent yesterday morning.

Spring Creek Dam rose from 9.31 per cent to 9.77 per cent.

Overall storages increased marginally from 23.91 per cent to 24.28.

The majority of the increases were a result of rain falling on the dams as opposed to run-off.

On a brighter note, 40.8 megalitres of water was captured via the Blackmans Swamp Stormwater Harvesting scheme, which represents about four days supply for the city of Orange.

Primary industries Minister Steve Whan yesterday cautioned the rain was far from drought-breaking.

The majority of NSW, 66.7 per cent, is still officially in drought, Mr Whan said.

Showers are expected to clear today for a mostly sunny day with a top temperature of 19 degrees.

Similar conditions will remain until Sunday when clouds are expected to roll across the region, albeit bringing no anticipated rainfall.

bevan.shields@ruralpress.com