|Vic Seasonal Rainfall Outlook: probabilities for Summer 2003/2004, issued 14th November 2003|
50:50 odds over Vic for summer rainfall
The Bureau's summer rainfall outlook shows that the chances of above average seasonal falls are generally a 50:50 prospect across Victoria. This outlook is the result of recent temperature patterns and trends in the Indian Ocean.
For the December to February period, the chances of above median rainfall are between 50 and 55% across Victoria (see map). So with climate patterns like the current, about 5 seasons out of 10 are expected to be wetter than average across the state, with about 5 out of 10 being drier.
Outlook confidence is related to the influence of Pacific and Indian Ocean temperatures on seasonal rainfall. During summer, history shows this influence to be moderate in southern and eastern Victoria, but weak to very weak in the north and west of the state (see background information).
The tropical Indian Ocean has been cooling strongly over recent months and temperatures there are currently close to average. The Pacific on the other hand, is generally warmer than average, particularly in the west. For more detail see the El Niño Wrap-Up. The recent temperature changes in the Indian Ocean are the dominant influence on the overall pattern of probabilities.
October's value of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) was 2, the same as that recorded in September and August. The approximate SOI for the 30 days ending 11th November was 3.
Click on the map above for a larger version of the map. Use the reload/refresh button to ensure the latest forecast map is displayed.
|More information on this outlook is available from 9.00am to 5.00pm (EDT) Monday to Friday by contacting the Climate and Consultancy section in the Bureau's Victorian Regional Office: (03) 9669 4949.|
THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE SEASONAL OUTLOOK IS EXPECTED BY 16th DECEMBER 2003.