The forecast through December indicates near normal conditions as exceptional deficits retreat. Deficits will persist in Australia’s southwestern tip and Tasmania. Areas of surplus include the central Murray-Darling Basin and the Avon River region in Western Australia.
Australia & New Zealand: Widespread deficits will retreat
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: Intense water deficits forecast for Tasmania, Top End NT, & New Caledonia
The forecast through July indicates that widespread, exceptional water deficits will shrink considerably. Severe to exceptional deficits are, however, forecast in northern Australia from the Kimberly region through Top End, Northern Territory and along the southern shore of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Deficits will also be intense in the southern tip of Western Australia, Tasmania, New Caledonia, and North Island, New Zealand.
Australia & New Zealand: Deficits persist in Tasmania & Channel Country
A transition away from significant water deficit is forecast for mainland Australia. Exceptional deficits will shrink considerably, retreating to Channel Country in central Australia. However, intense deficits are forecast for western Tasmania, coastal Victoria, Darwin, and the southeastern tip of Western Australia. Moderate deficits are forecast for the remainder of New South Wales, much of South Australia, Northern Territory, and much of the northern half of Western Australia. Moderate deficits are forecast for North Island New Zealand, and New Caledonia.