Friday 10 October 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Dry in the south-east, wet in the north

The drought in south-eastern Australia continues to break records, while northern Australia receives above average rainfall according to the latest climate statement issued by the Bureau of Meteorology’s National Climate Centre.

The Bureau’s Head of Climate Analysis, Dr David Jones, said the lack of rain over a number of years continues to be at, or near, record levels over many parts of southern Australia.

In south-eastern Australia, and particularly in Victoria and Tasmania, the past three year’s rainfalls in many places are now at the lowest level ever recorded. This includes many areas critical for inflows into the southern part of the Murray-Darling system.

In contrast much of northern Australia continues to experience well above average rainfall, with record high rainfall widespread about the Kimberly, Top End, and parts of the Cape York Peninsula.

Dr Jones said there are few signs that the drought in south-eastern Australia is letting up.

“It’s been eight years since we last recorded widespread, above-average rainfall across inland eastern Australia, including most of the Murray-Darling Basin. That was in the year 2000. And since the drought began, Victoria alone has missed out on nearly two years worth of normal rainfall.

“While similar periods of drought occurred in the middle of last century, this has also been the hottest drought on record, adding to the impact,” Dr Jones said.

The full climate statement is available from the Bureau’s website at: www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/special-statements.shtml

Further information:
Dr David Jones, Head of Climate Analysis, Bureau of Meteorology, (03) 9669 4085 or 0400 132 764
Dr Blair Trewin, Climatologist, Bureau of Meteorology, (03) 9669 4623
Dr Andrew Watkins, Climatologist, Bureau of Meteorology, (03) 9669 4360 or 0439 381 710

Ends