Adelaide: Outlook for 2019 Account
as at 20 February 2019
- Rainfall was mostly below average across the region during the 2018–19 year to date.
- Below-average rainfall conditions are expected for the remainder of 2018–19.
- Inflows into the region's storages during the year are expected to be below average.
For further information on the expected inflows and future commitments for the region during the 2018–19 year scroll down this page.
Future prospects
Figure S17 Water outlook for the Adelaide region for 2018–19
- Outflows and discharges from the region's storages are expected to slightly exceed inflows, which is likely to result in a decrease in water assets at the end of the year.
Expected inflows
Figure S18 Financial year-to-date and monthly rainfall deciles for the Adelaide region during the 2018–19 year
- Total rainfall over the 2018–19 year to date was below-average across most of the region, particularly during January 2019.
Figure S19 Storage levels for the Adelaide region during the 2018–19 year so far compared to the same time last year
- Storages were 49% full at 12 February 2019, compared to 63% full at the same time last year.
- Storage volumes peaked in November 2018 following the winter–spring rainfall; however, the peak in storage was much lower than last year.
- Further information on the region's individual storages is available on the Bureau of Meteorology's Water Storages website.
Figure S20 Chance of exceeding median rainfall for the Adelaide region for March–May 2019
- According to the Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook (from 14 February 2019), rainfall during the next few months (March–May 2019) is likely to be less than the median for the region.
- The Bureau's ENSO Outlook is currently at El Niño watch, meaning there is a 50% chance of El Niño developing in autumn.
Future commitments
- Total rainfall in 2018–19 is likely to be less than last year, which could mean users will have an increased reliance on water sourced directly from surface water and groundwater stores, particularly for irrigation purposes.
- With surface water availability likely to be lower than last year, the use of desalinated water and an increased reliance on inter-region delivery from the River Murray may be needed to meet urban demand.