Bureau of Meteorology long-range forecast predicts warmer than average winter for South Australia

It took until the last two days of autumn for any signs winter was on its way. Now that it’s here, this is what the Bureau of Meteorology says we can expect over the coming months.

Parts of South Australia are in for a soaking for this winter after the state experienced a drier than usual autumn.

At the same time, there’s a high chance of temperatures exceeding the maximum median over the winter season across the state.

It comes after Australia saw its warmest winter on record last year.

The Bureau of Meteorology has released its long range winter forecast, projecting an increased chance of above average rainfall for parts of SA, and warmer than average days and nights.

Mixed cropping farmer Michael Weckert is worried there won't be enough rain to water his crops at his Bordertown farm. Picture: Tom Huntley

The Bureau’s predictions for June to August show all of South Australia has an 80 per cent chance of exceeding the median maximum and minimum temperatures.

Above average rainfall is forecast for the north west and north east pastoral districts but Adelaide and the agricultural areas are set to receive average rainfalls.

Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines said agricultural areas have typically soaked in between 50mm and 400mm of rainfall while the pastoral districts have seen less than 50mm during the winter in recent decades.

“There is no strong indication towards a wetter or drier than usual winter for Adelaide and most of the agricultural areas,” he said.

South Australia saw the first decent rain in months this week, soaking in 10mm of rain on Thursday and 9mm on Friday after a historically dry start to the year stretched deep into May and left farmers worried for their crops.

The first day of winter on Saturday is expected to bring drier conditions, with a partly cloudy top of 18C in Adelaide before some forecast showers return next week.