Media Release, 14 January 2021.

Overview

February to April rainfall is likely to be close to or above average for much of Australia, particularly for Queensland and northwest Western Australia.

The average maximum temperature is likely to be close to average across most of Australia, although much of the Australian coastline and parts of the southeast may be above the long-term median. The average minimum temperature is very likely to be above the long-term median across nearly all of Australia.

La Niña is underway in the tropical Pacific. The event has likely reached its peak strength, but this does not necessarily mean its influence on rainfall has peaked. La Niña typically increases the likelihood of
above-average rainfall across eastern and northern Australia during summer.

More information

Media liaison: (03) 9669 4057  media@bom.gov.au
Technical enquiries: helpdesk.climate@bom.com

Next update expected by 28 January 2021