A warmer, dryer autumn is forecast for most of Australia after a summer of contrasts, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

February 28, 2018

A warm and dry autumn is predicted for Australia.

Rainfall

* SA and NT will be driest with less than 10mm of rain predicted to fall in many areas – less than half the rainfall usually recorded.

* Southeastern Australia will also be dryer during autumn with the outlook showing rainfall is likely to drop by around 50 per cent.

* Less than one millimetre of rain is likely to fall across most SA in March – 10 per cent of usual rainfall recorded.

* Large parts of Qld and WA will also receive lower than average rainfall in March, with the majority of the states likely to receive less than 10mm – less than half their usual rainfall

* NSW and Vic likely to receive between 30 and 50 per cent less rain through autumn. 

* The west coast of Tas will be among the wettest regions in autumn with up to 600mm likely to fall in many areas.

Temperature

* Vic, SA and Tas will experience warmer minimum and maximum temperatures during autumn.

* While NSW and southern Qld are likely to experience minimum and maximum temperatures closer to the average recorded temperature.

* Much of northern Qld and NT are very likely to be above the average maximum of around 33C and the minimum of around 20C.

* WA’s Pilbara and Kimberley regions will be the warmest in Australia during March with the median maximum temperature likely to exceed 36C.

* NSW’s Snowy Mountains and central Tas will be the coolest places in Australia during autumn with average minimum and maximum temperatures between three and 18C.

* However, Tas will also be warmer than usual, with March temperatures 80 per cent likely to be above the average maximum of around 20C.