Combined Drought Indicator (CDI)

• Approximately 45% of NSW is in one of the CDI drought categories.
• The area of NSW in one of the three drought categories continues to decrease and less than 1% of NSW remains in the Intense Drought category.
• NSW DPI is closely monitoring several regions where the underlying drought indicators have declined in recent weeks. This includes parts of the Central West, Central Tablelands, Riverina and Murray LLS Regions where there have been neutral to moderately negative rainfall trends during March.
• Producers are continuing to monitor on-ground conditions, weather, and climate forecasts closely, while implementing actions in line with their individual drought and recovery management strategies.

It is important to recognise the CDI provides an aggregated view of NSW, and that on-ground conditions can be different to those displayed in the maps. They provide an ‘on average’ view of a particular region only.