Rainfall deficiencies across Australia compared to average rainfall over the past 32 months.

Rainfall throughout May was largely ‘average’ to ‘below average’ across Australia, with the initial forecast for wetter conditions not coming to fruition.

Parts of north-east Queensland were drier than average, with less than 10mm of rain recorded, as was most of NSW’s Murray and Riverina. However, the NSW north coast and isolated parts of the far western districts received ‘above average’ rainfall in May.

Victoria received mostly ‘average’ rainfall during the month, punctuated by areas of ‘below average’ rain, which has seen medium-term rainfall deficiencies increase in the northern and central parts of the state. Rainfall across northern SA was ‘above average’, bringing relief to drought affected areas in this region, although rain in this part of the state is generally quite moderate during the cooler months of the year. Tasmania also registered ‘above average’ rain, with upwards of 100mm in most areas.

Apart from the Top End, the NT was drier than average, with almost no rainfall received from Katherine to Alice Springs. Similarly, the Kimberley region in WA measured ‘below average’ rain, as did the southern parts of the state, although central WA was wetter than average in May as a result of a northwest cloudband that occurred towards the end of the month.

To view the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest Drought Statement released yesterday, click here

Source: BOM, Meat & Livestock Australia