May 2024
Hunter Local Land Services
Drought conditions continue to improve across parts of the region.
- The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 87% of the region being in one of the drought categories at the end of May.
- Average to well above average rainfall during May has seen continued improvement in drought conditions across much of the region. Parts in the north of the region transitioned into the Recovery CDI category over May.
- However, rainfall totals have been highly variable, leading to differing rates of recovery. While some locations are experiencing significant improvement, others are seeing slower responses, with indicators remaining low.
- Continued good follow up rain will promote further recovery across the region.
- 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 are highly variable across the region.
- There has been a decline in the plant greenness values since the last Update, particularly in the west of the region.
- While rainfall totals were above average for May, many areas still have below average levels of plant greenness. These areas indicate where pasture growth may be slowing and becoming dormant as cooler temperatures are experienced.
- Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) represent water.
Click on the scroll bar below the map to compare with previous months.
Individual Drought Indicators
Drought indicators have responded to rainfall with drought conditions improving across the region.
- While there have been recent improvements, recovery from drought conditions will take some time and substantial follow up rainfall is needed to continue improvement in current conditions and recovery at all locations.
- 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
