The latest long-range forecast from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) projects below average rainfall is likely for parts of the southeast as well as the west and north of Australia. Warmer than usual days and nights are forecast for most of the country.

Despite expectations of below average rainfall from February to April, above average rainfall is expected in the second half of January across northern and eastern parts of Australia. High streamflows are expected in the eastern parts of mainland Australia from January to March, while low to median flows are expected in Tasmania and northeast NSW.

BoM said El Niño continues, however, the phenomenon’s influence on rainfall across Australia decreases in summer and autumn. Meanwhile, the positive Indian Ocean Dipole event is easing.

Global sea surface temperatures were the highest on record for the months April to December, likely contributing to above median summer rainfall over parts of Australia. Parts of southeastern and northern mainland Australia measured their highest December rainfall on record.