Lack of rainfall coupled with continued hot temperatures have had an adverse effect on crops, pastures and water storages. In the Southern Region variable summer rain has resulted in variable crop yields, pastures and water storages. The outlook for the Western Region is bleak for much of the region due to the hot dry conditions experienced over recent months, unless there is significant rainfall in the next few months. Agistment is difficult to locate and forced sales are suffering depressed markets. Variable conditions prevail in the South-East Region with many areas receiving little or no rainfall.
Many areas urgently require rainfall to consolidate their water supplies.
Atherton received 98mm, Babinda 325mm, Innisfail 358mm, Tully 347mm, Cairns 197mm, Townsville 69mm, Bowen 13mm, Charters Towers 42mm, Herberton 83mm, Malanda 93mm, Greenvale 220mm, Georgetown 104mm, Burketown 652mm, Croydon 101mm and Normanton 475mm. Totals recorded during the month included Quilpie 0mm, Birdsville 2mm, Windorah 0.6mm, Blackall 0mm, Longreach 0mm, Muttaburra 0.4mm, Winton 0mm, Hughenden 24mm, Richmond 74mm, Cloncurry 52mm, Julia Creek 54mm and Mt Isa 42mm. Totals for the month include Alpha 0mm, Blackwater 0.3mm, Clermont 4mm, Dingo 24mm, Springsure 0mm, Mackay 225mm, Proserpine 80mm, Rockhampton 4mm, Banana 10mm, Biloela 22mm, Theodore 0mm, Miriam Vale 50mm and Gladstone 21mm. Most areas received below average rainfall for the month. On the coastal fringe Bundaberg received 6mm and Maryborough 20mm.