Issued: Tuesday, 2 August 2022
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event is underway and will most likely continue over the coming months.
A negative IOD typically increases the chance of winter and spring rainfall over much of southern and eastern Australia, along with warmer days than usual in northern Australia.
The IOD describes a natural climate cycle brought about by sustained changes in the difference between sea surface temperatures of the tropical western and eastern Indian Ocean.
The Bureau of Meteorology's head of long-range forecasting Dr Andrew Watkins, said that the Bureau's 3-month climate outlook is for above average rainfall for much of Australia, particularly for the central and eastern states.
"With wet soils, high rivers and full dams, and the outlook for above average rainfall, elevated flood risk remains for eastern Australia", he said.
Communities are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest Bureau forecasts and warnings through the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of emergency services
