September rain well down

September rainfall for Warragul was well down on the deluge experienced last year, recording 65.1 millimetres compared to 144.6 millimetres in 2017.

That figure was also down on the September average of 103 millimetres.

Had it not been for significant rain on September 7 and September 16 (14 millimetres on each day), along with 15 millimetres on September 29, rainfall for the month would have been very scarce. Rain had fallen over 11 days. The year to date has seen 620.3 millimetres fall over 107 days, down on the average of 733.8 millimetres.

While possible showers have been forecast for Warragul today and tomorrow, no more than four millimetres of rain are anticipated with a 50 per cent chance of rain.

The October to December outlook indicates the trend of below average rainfall will continue, expecting the eastern and southern states of Australia to be drier than average.

A drier and warmer than average end to the year would mean a low chance of recovery for drought-affected areas of eastern Australia.

October shows a strong likelihood of drier conditions across most of the eastern twothirds of the country, and south-west Western Australia. However, there are exceptions along parts of the east coast of Australia to the east of the Great Dividing Range, where there is no strong indication of either a wetter or drier month.

October to December days are very likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia. Nights are also likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia.

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are currently neutral. However, current observations and model outlooks indicate El Niño and a positive IOD could develop in spring.