FARMERS in south east Australia's parched grain belt are set for much needed relief over the next five days as forecast rain sweeps through the region.  

The Australian reports that the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting falls of up to 50mm and even snow in some areas of South Australia, Victoria and southern NSW as a weather pattern, the likes of which have not been seen since August, brings much needed showers.

Farmers first noticed rain drops early this morning, with falls of up to 15mm in the western and north western regions of South Australia recorded by 9am.

The rain could not be coming at a better time for farmers desperate for even an average season.

Late April, and traditionally ANZAC Day, have marked the start of the season for the past three years, but there has been very little follow-up rain.

Bureau of Meteorology regional director Andrew Watson said the fronts sweeping through would provide good coverage, rather than the “hit and run” falls recorded over the past year.

“Our models that provide us with seasonal outlooks suggest that we have a reasonable chance of getting average rainfall for this season,” Mr Watson said. “Clearly what we don't want is a below average year.”

Read more on The Australian online.