Forecast

Issue Notes - Issued Sep 16

ENSO status: Neutral, however five of seven models suggest La Niña thresholds may be met again between October and January. IOD status: Neutral, returning from negative values in the recent weeks. SAM status: Positive. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently neutral. However, there are growing signs that La Niña could redevelop in the Pacific Ocean later this year, which has prompted the US Climate Prediction Centre to increase its prediction of La Niña occurring this year to 70-80 percent. However their thresholds are lower than the Bureau of Meteorology's. Five of seven models forecast temperatures may reach or exceed La Niña thresholds between October and January. Three of seven predicted an established event, which requires La Nina thresholds to be met for three months. La Niña typically brings above average rainfall in northern and eastern Australia. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is currently neutral, returning from negative values in the recent weeks. Three of five models areforecasting the IOD event will officially end in October, with all models ending the event in December. A negative IOD generates above average rain to southern and eastern Australia. As such, average to above average rainfall is predicted across much of the country this winter and spring.