North West Local Land Services

Drought conditions ease for much of the region as above average rainfall aids recovery.

The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows that approximately 90% of the region remains in one of the drought categories at the end of April.
Above average rainfall during April has seen improvement in drought conditions across much of the region. However, rainfall totals have been highly variable, leading to differing rates of recovery.
Continued follow up rainfall will be critical for a recovery from drought.
Producers continue to monitor forecasts closely and implement drought management strategies as required for their farm enterprises.
The NSW DPI continues to closely monitor conditions in this region.

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Normalised Difference Vegetation Index

Widespread variability in plant greenness levels across the region.

This is supported by on ground reports suggesting that rainfall has been very variable across the region.
Areas with below average levels of greenness indicate low levels of ground cover and standing dry matter available for livestock.
The impacts of the December bushfire in the Pilliga south of Narrabri remain evident in this month’s Update.
Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies. Some of the extremely green patches are plant response to irrigated cropping programs.

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Drought indicators are improving but remain variable across the region.

There has been a slow improvement in the indicators in response to April rainfall totals.
Further substantial rainfall is needed to trigger any recovery from drought conditions across the region.
To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal.