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Positive spring outlook in the west – BOM
27 August 2015
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) latest three month rainfall outlook, covering the period of September to November, there is an increased chance of a wetter than normal spring over much of western and central Australia.
- The vast majority of southern and central WA has a 60-80% chance of exceeding the median rainfall, particularly through September.
- SA is looking similarly positive, with the possibility of above average falls extending into the southern part of the NT.
- Further east, there is a 60-65% chance of a wetter than average spring in the western most parts of Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
- Central and coastal regions through the eastern states are expected to be more neutral, with a 50-60% chance of above average falls.
- Far northern Queensland, however, is forecast to be drier than normal through spring.
Spring is also expected to bring warmer days along the east coast, while nights are forecast to be above average for the majority of Australia.
Despite the BOM’s relatively positive spring outlook, the threat of an El Niño event continues to strengthen, with weakening trade winds and Pacific Ocean temperatures well above threshold levels. The BOM’s climate models suggest that the tropical Pacific is likely to warm even further, peaking late in the year.
