Australians warned to expect less rain and higher temperatures over the next few months

According to the latest climate outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology, rainfall is likely to be below median in many parts of Australia in the coming months, while temperatures are expected to be above median across most of the country.

Rainfall from March to May is likely to be below average for much of northern, eastern and southwestern Australia.

During the same period, maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be above average across almost the entire country.

The likelihood of maximum temperatures being at least three times as likely as normal across most of the northern half of Australia, western WA and northeastern Tasmania is unusually high.

Meanwhile, minimum temperatures across much of western and northern Australia are likely to be at least three times higher than normal.

BOM said the forecast was influenced by several factors, including record warm oceans worldwide and a weakening El Nino.

Earlier this week, BOM Director Andrew Johnson chaired a federal parliamentary hearing and was questioned about his agency’s performance, including the accuracy of its forecasts after the devastating impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and other recent major storms.

Mr Johnson argued that his staff had done a ‘fantastic job’, adding that communities had been given several days’ notice before the major weather events occurred.

“I think the performance of our people – to give the community that level of forewarning – just wouldn’t have been possible in years past,” he said.

The percentage chance that the average rainfall will be exceeded. Image: BOM

Mr Johnson said BOM’s performance was exceptional and forecasts were excellent.

He also said that BOM cannot be responsible for media reporting on weather conditions.

“What I’ve observed this summer is, quite frankly, a catastrophizing of a whole range of weather events,” he said.