Using seasonal rainfall outlooks

Seasonal outlooks for both rainfall and temperature are readily available for all farmers. These outlooks can help assess the risks of these climatic factors falling outside the range that current production systems can satisfactorily manage. They can also be easily incorporated into comparing alternative management options.

Seasonal rainfall outlooks provide an indication of whether the next three months will be wetter or drier than average. These outlooks incorporate a lot of information about the forces that change weather outcomes. They also incorporate a brief and relatively simple statement and map which shows the probabilities for rainfall as a result of these interacting forces.

Understanding what this statement and map mean and, just as importantly, what they do not mean, will allow you to use them effectively for making management decisions.