Northern Tablelands Local Land Services

Drought conditions continue to ease for much of the region, with rainfall ineffective in maintaining recovery.  

• The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 90% of the region being in a drought category at the end of March.
• March rainfall was highly variable across the region and a medium-term rainfall deficit is impacting a recovery from drought. Generally, there was below average rain for most of the region. This has resulted in a re-intensification of drought conditions for much of the region.
• Further rainfall is needed to ensure longer term improvement in conditions.
• Local reports suggest that the hot temperatures and minimal runoff has resulted in surface water supply and availability is becoming an issue in some areas. Producers are monitoring and planning accordingly.
• The NSW DPI continues to closely monitor conditions in these regions.

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Normalised Difference Vegetation Index

Widespread variability remains within the region.

• There has generally been an improvement in plant greenness values over the last several months and many areas have above normal plant greenness levels.
• There are indications that plant greenness levels have decline in the south of the region. This likely corresponds with lower-than-average rainfall and warmer temperatures in parts of the region.
• Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies.

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Individual Drought Indicators

Drought indicators remain low across the region.  

• The Drought History chart show the individual response of the drought indicators for Tenterfield, Inverell and Walcha.
• There has been a steady decline in all the indicators at all three locations. Substantial rainfall is needed to ensure the regions do not transition into the Drought category.
• To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal.