Issued on 5 April 2012
No Drought Statement issued for April
Rainfall across most of Australia has been above average in the last six months, partly due to the 2011-12 La Niņa event (which has now ended). This has ensured there are currently no significant short-term rainfall deficiencies across the country.
Whilst rainfall in late 2011 has helped to ease short-term rainfall deficiencies in southwest Western Australia, long-term rainfall deficiencies remain. 2010-2011 was the driest two-year period on record for small areas of southwest Western Australia, following the region's driest year on record in 2010 and average to below average for much of January to September 2011.
For more information on dry periods over Australia and extreme rain events see the Special Climate Statements issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, especially a statement on the heavy rainfall event in southeast Australia at the end of February and early March. A statement on Australia's wettest two year period on record, and what this means for long-term rainfall deficiencies was issued in early February.
