Australia records driest September with 70.8% below average rainfall

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – In September, Australia experienced its driest and the third warmest month on record with a national rainfall average of 4.83mm, the national meteorology agency said on Monday.

According to data by the Bureau of Meteorology, while wildfires raged uncontrollably in Victoria and New South Wales, there were concerns about possible flash floods later in the week.

The data revealed that the total rainfall in September was significantly lower, at 70.8% below the average from 1961 to 1990. This decrease was influenced by factors such as a positive Indian Ocean dipole, the recent declaration of El Nino, and the ongoing impact of the climate crisis.

The bureau reported that September, in addition to being one of the driest months on record, was characterized by the dominance of high-pressure systems. These systems brought about stable weather conditions and clear skies across most parts of the country.