The forecast through January 2021 indicates that much of the region will return to near-normal conditions as water deficits retreat. Surpluses will persist in the central Murray-Darling Basin, increase in Riverina, and increase from Brisbane through the Australian Alps.
Australia & New Zealand: Severe deficits will persist from Brisbane to Melbourne
Through January 2020 deficits will shrink and downgrade considerably. Severe to extreme deficits are, however, forecast for Tasmania and eastern Australia from Melbourne north through Canberra, moderating near Gold Coast in Queensland and continuing past Brisbane. Deficits in New Caledonia will downgrade from exceptional but will be severe to extreme.
Global Precipitation & Temperature Outlook November 2019
Australia & New Zealand: Intense water deficits forecast Brisbane to Melbourne
The forecast through December indicates that exceptional water deficits will shrink and downgrade in Australia, but a broad path of severe to extreme deficit is forecast from Brisbane in the east past Melbourne in the south and in Tasmania. Nearly normal water conditions are expected in New Zealand. Severe to extreme deficits will persist in New Caledonia.
Australia & New Zealand: Intense water deficits to persist in eastern Australia
The forecast through November indicates severe to exceptional water deficits in eastern Australia from Rockhampton, Queensland to Melbourne, including the eastern Murray-Darling Basin. Deficits will shrink in Tasmania but will be severe. Nearly normal water conditions are expected in New Zealand. Severe to extreme deficits will persist in New Caledonia.