Combined Drought Indicator (CDI)

• Approximately 43% of NSW is in one of the CDI drought categories (Figure 1).
• The area of NSW in one of the three drought categories continues to decrease and less than 3% of NSW remains in the Intense Drought or Drought category (Figure 2).
• NSW DPI is closely monitoring several regions where the underlying drought indicators have declined in recent weeks. The area in the Drought Affected category in the eastern Riverina and Murray LLS has expanded since the previous Update.
• Producers are continuing to monitor on-ground conditions, weather, and climate forecasts closely, while implementing actions in line with their individual drought and recovery management strategies.

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 an ‘on average’ view of a particular region only.