January the ninth wettest on record: BOM

January was one of the wettest months on record, with rainfall 47% above the Bureau of Meteorology's average.

According the BOM's latest drought report, January 2024 was the ninth wettest since records began in 1900.

The long-range forecast, however, released on 1 February indicates that, "except for northern Queensland and parts of southern New South Wales, February rainfall is likely to be below median for most of Australia."

February to April rainfall is likely to be below median for most of Australia with the exception of parts of south-eastern Western Australia and areas in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria.

January's rainfall deciles map shows that almost every part of the country, with the exception the northeast corner of NSW and the West Australian coast average or above average rainfall, with a large number regions recording 'very much above average' rainfall.

The drought report comes as the BOM is in the firing line over releasing an El Niño forecast in September, prompting many farmers to reduce their livestock to avoid the drier conditions. The broad-based selling had a catastrophic impact on prices.

READ MORE: El Niño – How has it impacted cattle prices?

Last week, a number of global forecasters suggested that a wetter La Niña might be a possible event.

READ MORE: Jane Bunn: Models are hinting at La Niña but that’s just one piece of the puzzle