Rain outlook moderate

● Rainfall for the fortnight of February 10 to 23 is likely to be below average across north-west Australia, extending into much of central and interior Australia. Northern Cape York Peninsula in Queensland is likely to have a wetter fortnight.

● Both daytime and overnight temperatures for autumn (March to May) are likely to be above average across Australia.

● With major climate drivers neutral, local or short-term climate drivers — such as sea surface temperatures around Australia, and active or break periods of the monsoon — are likely to have a greater influence on Australian rainfall and temperature patterns.

● Recent rainfall has been beneficial for some drought and fire-affected areas. However, several months of above average rainfall will be needed to see a recovery from current long-term rainfall deficiencies.

● April to June is also likely to see warmer than average days and nights for most of the country.