Seasonal Climate Outlook Message for September to December 2005

The bottom line

Climate Watch 20/09/05

The number of drought declared shires in Queensland has remained steady. As of the 20th September there were 61 shires and 7-part shires drought declared under State government drought processes. This is approximately 60.6% of the land area of the State. There are also 104 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further 15 shires. As well there is a Commonwealth Government Exceptional Circumstances Declaration covering 55.6% of the state.

Information regarding drought declarations can be obtained from your local DPI Stock Inspector or the Rural Risk Strategies Unit. The unit can be contacted through the DPI&F Call Centre on 132523 or on (07) 3239 3181. For a full list of drought declared shires and the latest seasonal conditions report go to www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/

As of the 19th September the 30-day average of the SOI was plus 1.2. Daily updates on the SOI are available on (07) 46881439. The latest rainfall probability maps are at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/climate

Based on the SOI phase at the end of August the chance of receiving well above average rainfall across most of the state for September to November is low with rainfall more likely to be average to below average.

It is worth noting that September has a low median monthly rainfall value for many locations in Queensland. For more on rainfall probabilities, monthly averages or medians for your location refer to Rainman StreamFlow or contact the DPI&F Call Centre on 132523 or (07) 3404 6999.