Seasonal Climate Outlook Message for June to September 2000
The bottom line
SOI message 21st June 2000 The average SOI over the last 30 days was -4.6 . Based on the SOI, the probabilities of exceeding median rainfall during the total June to August period are little different from the 'normal' for this time of year in most of the eastern States of Australia, except for the south-eastern corner of Qld and the north-eastern corner of NSW where the probabilities are 30-40%; and parts of eastern NSW, western Victoria and eastern Tasmania where probabilities are 60-70%.
The full story
Review of Climatic Forecasts and Information
Based on the latest values and trends of the SOI, the probabilities of receiving above-median rainfall over the total June to August period are little different from the 'normal' for this time of year in most of the eastern States of Australia. Exceptions are the south-eastern corner of Qld and the north-eastern corner of NSW where the probabilities are 30-40%; and parts of eastern NSW, western Victoria and eastern Tasmania where probabilities are 60-70%.
The cooler-than-normal sea-surface temperatures that have been present in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean (since 1998) have receded. However, there are still patches of cool anomalies, particularly from the International Dateline to the central Pacific. The strength of the atmospheric circulation, typical of a La Ni¤a pattern, has also weakened, but not to the same extent.
Most forecasts from experimental general circulation models are suggesting that neutral conditions will dominate at least until summer. Also some research suggests the sub-tropical ridge may again be further north than normal this winter, which tends to reduce winter rainfall from the Goondiwindi district through to the Central Highlands. As these indicators provide some cause for concern, regular monitoring of them and the SOI is highly recommended.
Frost risk this winter is detailed in a new DPI book: `Frost Risk in Eastern Australia and the Influence of the Southern Oscillation' by Jacqui Willcocks and Roger Stone. There is a good probability that the frost season will finish 1-2 weeks earlier than normal for some towns in Queensland. Although the frost season may be shorter, the expected number of frosts is about the same as average, and the chance of getting at least one frost is similar to the average.
The next passage of the 30- to 50-Day Oscillation over Qld is expected about the third week in July.
More detailed information for your location can be obtained from the Australian Rainman software package. Also a lot of additional information is available on our FarmFax system, our Internet World Wide Web service called `The Long Paddock', and on BoM's Fax and internet information services. Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should
be sought. The Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
