Through January 2020 deficits will shrink and downgrade considerably. Severe to extreme deficits are, however, forecast for Tasmania and eastern Australia from Melbourne north through Canberra, moderating near Gold Coast in Queensland and continuing past Brisbane. Deficits in New Caledonia will downgrade from exceptional but will be severe to extreme.
Australia & New Zealand: Intense water deficits to persist in eastern Australia
The forecast through November indicates severe to exceptional water deficits in eastern Australia from Rockhampton, Queensland to Melbourne, including the eastern Murray-Darling Basin. Deficits will shrink in Tasmania but will be severe. Nearly normal water conditions are expected in New Zealand. Severe to extreme deficits will persist in New Caledonia.
Australia & New Zealand: Intense water deficits will persist in Tasmania & New Caledonia
The forecast through August 2019 indicates a transition away from widespread, exceptional water deficits in Australia to, overall, mild deficits or normal conditions. However, intense deficits are forecast for Tasmania, the southern tip of Western Australia, northern New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Moderate to severe deficits are expected from Brisbane to Canberra.
Australia & New Zealand: Water deficits to persist in NSW, VIC, & TAS
The forecast through January indicates that intense water deficits will persist in southeastern Australia with exceptional deficits in western Tasmania. Deficits may be severe to extreme along the Murray River. Moderate deficits will cut a broad path from New South Wales into the center of the country surrounding the Simpson Desert. Some severe deficits are forecast in western North Island, New Zealand. Deficits in New Caledonia will moderate.
Australia & New Zealand: Intense water deficits to persist in southeastern Australia
The forecast through December indicates that intense water deficits which have dominated much of Australia in prior months will retreat from most regions except the southeast. Deficits will be exceptional in Tasmania, and severe to exceptional along the southeast coast from Adelaide through Victoria and past Canberra. Moderate to severe deficits are forecast for New Zealand. Deficits in New Caledonia will moderate.