Seasonal Climate Outlook Message for May to August 2003

The bottom line

SOI continues slow rise (Dated 14th May)

The 30day average of the SOI continues to slowly rise and as of the 14th May was plus 3.6.

Based on the recent pattern of the SOI, rainfall probabilities vary across Queensland. For the gulf, peninsular and a large proportion of the southern half of the state, the chance of getting above the long term May to July median rainfall remains relatively low at around to 30-40%.

For much of central and western Queensland though, the chance of getting above the long term May to July median rainfall is higher at around 50-70%. Due to the size of the areas covered, the information provided in this column is of a fairly broad nature. For those readers who require more specific climate information, we recommend referring to Australian Rainman or the latest "Climate Note" at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/climate