Wet spring likely in the east – BOM

The August to October period is expected to be wetter than average for most of the sheep and cattle producing regions across the eastern half of the country, according to the latest rainfall outlook released by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). For most parts of WA, the NT and western SA, however, there is a roughly equal chance of a wetter or drier than average three-months ahead.

Above average rainfall is predicted for the south-east, central and the Cape regions of Queensland. In particular, parts of the Fitzroy and Burdekin catchments have a more than 75% chance of above average rainfall for the three-months. Western Queensland is forecast a 60-65% chance of exceeding the median rainfall, with the highest probability in September.

NSW has a 65-75% probability of exceeding average rainfall into spring, with August rainfall predicted to be mostly concentrated towards the coast before extending further inland during September.

Western regions of Victoria and Tasmania have a 60-65% likelihood of receiving above average rainfall in the next three months, mostly during August, while the remainder of each state has a stronger probability (65-75%) of a wetter start to spring. The eastern half of SA has a higher chance of above average rainfall over the period, while outlook for the western regions of the state is fairly neutral.

Much of WA and central NT have a neutral rainfall outlook, although prospects for above average rainfall across the Kimberley and the Top End range from 55-75%, strengthening nearer to the coast.

If the extent of the rainfall predicted in the BOM’s three month outlook comes to fruition, it will lend further support to both the cattle and sheep markets by sustaining restocker demand and accentuating the already tight supplies.