Combined Drought Indicator (CDI)

At the end of April 2025, up to 83% of the state is in the Non-Drought or Recovery categories of the long-term drought indicator (NSW Combined Drought Indicator).

• Large regions in southern NSW remain in the Drought Affected category.
• The area in the Drought Affected category has expanded into the Central Tablelands, Hunter and Greater Sydney LLS regions over the past month.

Percentage area of NSW in each of the CDI categories

It is important to recognise the CDI provides an aggregated view of NSW, and that on-ground conditions can be different to those displayed in the maps. They provide a longer term ‘on average’ view of a particular region only.