The forecast through January 2021 indicates that much of the region will return to near-normal conditions as water deficits retreat. Surpluses will persist in the central Murray-Darling Basin, increase in Riverina, and increase from Brisbane through the Australian Alps.
Australia & New Zealand: Water deficits ahead for South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales
The forecast through March indicates widespread and exceptional water deficits in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Deficits of varying severity are forecast for Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Northern Territory’s Top End, central Tasmania, and North Island, New Zealand. Moderate surpluses are expected in an arc across the northern part of the country from the Kimberly Plateau through northeastern Queensland to the coast. The forecast past March is less eventful, with deficits emerging across Northern Territory, scattered through Victoria and New South Wales, and in Tasmania, and New Zealand.
Australia & New Zealand: Water deficits in northern Queensland and Tasmania
The overall progression of water conditions in Australia for the next 12 months indicates few significant anomalies. Pockets of exceptional surplus are forecast to persist through May along the southern coast of Western Australia, and east of Port Pirie on Spencer Gulf in South Australia. Moderate deficits in Far North Queensland are expected to persist through August. Deficits may also linger south of Perth and in Tasmania.
Australia & New Zealand: Water surpluses forecast for Warrego River QLD & Murray River NSW
The forecast through January shows water surpluses in the Warrego River Catchment in Queensland, between Port Pirie and Adelaide in South Australia, between the Lachlan and Murray Rivers in New South Wales, and along the southern coast of Western Australia. Mild surpluses are forecast to emerge from King Sound in Western Australia to the western shore of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Deficits are forecast south of Perth, along the Limestone Coast, southeast of Melbourne, and North Island, New Zealand.
Australia & New Zealand: Water surplus forecast for Murray River Basin through March
Exceptional surpluses are forecast to persist through December in central Queensland, along the southwest coast of Western Australia, and east of Spencer Gulf. Moderate to exceptional surpluses are forecast in the Murray Basin through March, and moderate deficits along South Australia’s Limestone Coast and southern Tasmania. Deficits in New Caledonia are expected to diminish.