December temperatures were average to above average for much of Australia and significantly above average in the west. Below average temperatures were observed in parts of the north and Tasmania.
December rainfall was above average for much of northern Australia with the arrival of the monsoon. Parts of Queensland's Gulf Country had their highest rainfall on record for the month. Rainfall was below average for parts of south-western, central and eastern Australia.
Root-zone soil moisture is currently above average across large parts of northern Australia following rainfall from Tropical Cyclones Fina, Hayley and Koji. Large parts of southern and central Australia have below average root-zone soil moisture, following low rainfall and high temperatures.
Looking ahead, the rainfall forecast for February to April shows little signal across much of the country, meaning, near equal chances of above or below average rainfall across the 3 months. However, it is now monsoon season and high impact rain events in the north are typical during this time.
For January to March, near-median to high streamflow is likely along the east coast and sites across northern Australia. Low flows are likely for parts of the south-east.
Daytime temperatures for February to April are likely to be above average across Australia.
And overnight temperatures are very likely to be above average for most of the country.
Sea surface temperatures for February to April are forecast to be warmer than average across much of the globe, including around most of Australia.
Most international models forecast a return to neutral ENSO conditions in the Pacific Ocean by the end of summer.
We update our long-range forecast regularly. Select your location to
