Heavy rains becoming more likely this wet season

Northern Australia could be in for another bumper wet season, with conditions shaping up for heavy rainfall over the coming months.

The Bureau of Meteorology has put the country on a La Nina watch notice, which typically means increased monsoonal activity in the north over summer.

CQ University environment geography adjunct professor Steve Turton said atmospheric indicators were pointing towards a short-lived La Nina event.

“While the El Nino — southern oscillation remains neutral, models are suggesting that the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean will continue to cool,” he said.

“It’s unusual for a La Nina to occur so late in the year, which means that if it does occur, history suggests it will probably be short-lived.

“We could potentially be in for above average rainfall in northern Australia for the next three months, however, the competing influence of warm waters to the north of Australia and cool waters in the eastern Indian Ocean, do not favour widespread rainfall for November to January.”

Mr Turton said La Niña was likely to bring good rain for northern Australia, but widespread downpours across the country were unlikely.