Wet autumn forecast for north and east – BOM

22 February 2012

Most of northern and eastern Australia is forecast to have an strong chance of exceeding median rainfall through March to May, with a large area of north Queensland assigned a greater than 70% chance, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) three month rainfall outlook.

The 60-70% chance of exceeding median rainfall across northern Australia in autumn has the potential to set northern cattle producers up for another favourable season, with many regions already registering good falls during the first two months of 2012. With ample feed and water available, northern cattle producers would be able to continue herd rebuilding that has largely been underway since 2010.

Above average falls forecast for NSW could also set many producers up for another good winter cropping program, given the existing favourable soil moisture profile for many regions.  Both Victoria and south-east SA have been assigned a drier outlook for autumn, with only a 30-40% chance of exceeding median falls, which could see pressure upon feed supplies after a relatively dry summer. 

Following six months of above average rainfall,  south-west WA has been assigned a 40-50% chance of exceeding median rainfall between March and May.

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