Mixed Rainfall Outlook

AUSTRALIA - The latest three month rainfall from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) delivers a somewhat mixed outlook, with the likelihood of wetter conditions for the eastern and western regions of the continent, and drier conditions through the middle of the country, writes Meat and Livestock Australia.
calendar icon 22 December 2011
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Meat & Livestock Australia

After a wet November and first half of December across the key cattle producing regions of south east Queensland and northern NSW, the forecast for January to March is for a 55-65 per cent chance of exceeding median falls. If the predictions come to fruition, this would herald the third consecutive wet summer for these regions, and maintain the herd rebuilding intentions of many producers.

While northern regions of Australia largely have a 50-55 per cent chance of above average falls for January to March, this would complement the already wet start to the 2011-12 wet season. November saw above average, to very much above average, rain across most of the NT and northern WA, with further falls during the first half of December.

Hopefully a sign that the improved seasonal conditions will continue for southern WA, most of the western half of the state has been assigned a 55-65 per cent chance of above median falls for January to March, although this is relative to what is historically a dry period of the year. For the south eastern states, most of western New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania have been assigned a largely neutral outlook, with a slightly drier outlook for central parts of SA.

The driest outlook for the three month period is for south western Queensland and northern SA. The BOM has assigned only a 30-40 per cent chance of above median falls for the period, possible indicating an end to extremely wet conditions and flooding experienced across the regions for the past two summers.

TheCattleSite News Desk

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