Combined Drought Indicator Map

Using the web map

Learn more

Using the NSW-CDI
Understanding the CDI phases
How does EDIS work?
Why was EDIS created?
Our collaboration with the Australian National University
Get involved and accessing data
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer
Interactive Drought Map

Interactive Combined Drought Indicator map and timeseries

This interactive tool provides a snapshot of current seasonal conditions for NSW. You can use the map to:

Find local drought information

This can be done by:

  1. Entering a location or address using the search bar. A successful search will zoom straight to the location, showing the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) values for that location’s parish in a pop up.
  2. You can  zoom to a location using the + and - buttons. Pan around the map by pressing and holding the left button on your mouse.

Once you have selected a parish, a time series of drought indicators is automatically displayed below the map.

Obtain a regional drought summary

Click on a Local Land Service (LLS) region to display Local Government Area (LGA) boundaries then click on an LGA to display the Parish boundaries.

  • A summary pie chart for the LLS or LGA region is automatically displayed below the map.
  • A timeseries chart is displayed below the pie chart when a parish is clicked on

Print the drought timeseries chart

Click on the print button next to the drought timeseries chart.

Visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal to download a high-quality drought timeseries chart for every parish in NSW.

Having trouble?

Access the user guide.

Interested in the DPIRD Drought Forecast product?

Visit the Drought Forecast page in NSW State Seasonal Update to see what the CDI will most likely be in 3 months time.

The interactive NSW Combined Drought Indicator (NSW-CDI) map is not used by NSW Government to determine eligibility for drought support.

For information about NSW Government programs and eligibility explore DroughtHub.

A broader range of drought indicators and official assessment of conditions is available in the NSW State Seasonal Update.

Drought Declarations

The NSW Government does not make official drought declarations. This was part of the National Drought Agreement, which came into effect in 2013. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development monitors seasonal conditions (including drought) with multiple indicators reported in the NSW State Seasonal Update. The NSW Combined Drought Indicator is one of these and is updated daily on this website. Learn more about the Program here.

Using the NSW-CDI

If you are using the NSW CDI for decision making or as part of drought program implementation, refer to the recommendations here.

Want more information?

This tool is based on the NSW Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) which tracks the onset, duration and retreat of large drought events. It is only one source of information that is needed to understand drought and inform Government and Industry about seasonal conditions. The CDI is not used to determine eligibility for drought assistance measures offered by the NSW Government.

Find out more about the program here.

For additional resources on drought management and support please visit NSW DroughtHub.

Interested in the DPIRD Drought Forecast product?

Visit the Drought Forecast page in NSW State Seasonal Update to see what the CDI will most likely be in 3 months time.

Want to access drought and climate data?

Find out more here.