Record breaking temperatures and severe droughts meant the Bureau of Meteorology's latest weather report came as no surprise when it said Australia had just come out of its warmest summer on record. .
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The 2019 Autumn Outlook brought little relief as dry conditions are forecast to continue as well as hotter than average temperatures.
The Bureau's manager of long-range forecasting, Dr Andrew Watkins, said the outlook is not the news many would be wanting to hear.
"Unfortunately, the outlook isn't giving a strong indication that we'll see a return to average or above average rainfall in many areas over the autumn period," Dr Watkins said.
"Autumn is obviously a critical time of year for agriculture, particularly in the southern parts of the country."
Tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean have warmed over the past month which, according to Dr Watkins, suggests chances of an El Nino weather event forming, confirming the likelihood of hot, dry weather.
"We are also observing cooler than average waters off the coast of Western Australia, which may reduce the number of rain-bearing systems impacting the south of the country," he said.
Dr Watkins advised people to not bank too much on the overall outlook for autumn as individual weather events are still possible.
"It's important to remember that despite what the outlook is suggesting, individual heavy rainfall events are always possible, and people should stay up to date with the latest seven-day forecast and warnings for their area," he said.
Chairman of Wagga's NSW Farmers' Association branch, Alan Brown, said the forecast is not good news for Riverina farmers.
"It's extremely harsh for farmers and livestock producers particularly trying to keep their main breeding units alive," he said.
"There's an ongoing concern with permanent planning because of the state of water being so low which is a real problem."
Mr Brown said each farmer has a different way of coping, but most are just trying to make it out the other end.
"Most people have arrived at a point where they want to get through, so they've reduced surplus stock and really are just trying to make it by," he said.
"They're battening down, and because feed is sold and such high rates in demand, it's a matter of keeping your essential breeding animals alive so you have a starting point when you come out the other end."
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