May 2024
Greater Sydney Local Land Services
Drought conditions remain but continue to ease throughout much of the region.
- The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 75% of the region is in one of the drought categories at the end of May.
- The region received above average rainfall in May. Due to the severity and extent of the drought, long-term recovery remains challenging for producers, with low soil moisture levels persisting, despite good follow up rain.
- Continued follow up rain will be needed to aid longer-term improvement in conditions.
- Producers continue to monitor forecasts closely and implement drought management strategies as required for their farm enterprises entering winter.
- The NSW DPI continues to closely monitor conditions in this region.
Click on the scroll bar below the map to compare with previous months.
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
Plant greenness levels have remained generally stable since the last Update.
- Plant greenness levels are highly variable across the region.
- Above average rainfall over the last few months has seen pastures respond, with good levels of groundcover.
- Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies.
Click on the scroll bar below the map to compare with previous months.
Individual Drought Indicators
Drought indicators continue to respond to follow up rainfall in May; however, underlying soil moisture remains low at many locations.
- Continued rainfall will be needed to ensure the underlying indicators continue to improve.
- Producers continue to monitor conditions closely in conjunction with forecasts and outlooks entering winter.
To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal.
