Seasonal Climate Outlook Message for October to January 2006

The bottom line

SOI in "Rapidly Rising" Phase 03/10/05

The monthly value of the SOI rose from minus 6.5 at the end of August to plus 3.3 at the end of September placing it in a "Rapidly Rising" phase. Based on this SOI phase and historical rainfall records there is a 50 to 70% chance of getting above median rainfall for October to December across most of Queensland.

For example Roma has a 70% chance of getting above its October to December median rainfall of 165mm, Goondiwindi has a 60% chance of getting above its October to December median rainfall of 165mm and Dalby has a 50% chance of getting above its October to December median rainfall of 210mm.

As of the 3rd October the 30-day average of the SOI is plus 2.9. Daily updates on the SOI are available on (07) 46881439. The latest rainfall probability maps are at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/climate or www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au.

For more information contact the DPI&F Call Centre on 132523 or (07) 3404 6999.