Rainfall compared to historic averages for the 20 months to May 2014. Click on map to view in larger format.

Rainfall during May was generally below average over the eastern States, with northern NSW and southern and western Queensland still experiencing long-term rainfall deficiencies and western Victoria also becoming increasingly dry.

The latest monthly drought statement also shows that serious rainfall deficiencies are emerging in north eastern New South Wales, southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania.

Parts of Western Australia and South Australia however benefited from above-average rainfall in May, and have seen a decrease in rainfall deficiencies for the 20-month period – October 2012 to May 2014.

Serious to severe deficiencies (lowest 10pc to 5pc of records) remain in an area spanning western and central Queensland, with smaller areas in adjacent parts of the Northern Territory and South Australia, and in an area inland of the Great Dividing Range extending from southern Queensland into northern New South Wales.

Small pockets of deficiencies remains on the coast of Western Australia near Shark Bay, although these are significantly reduced compared to the previous Drought Statement last month.

In Victoria areas of deficiencies in the central region and inland west have increased in extent since last month.

More generally, rainfall for the 20 month period ending May 2014 has continued to be below average over the eastern mainland and parts of Tasmania.

To view more details on the June drought statement on the Bureau of Meteorology website click here