La Nina strike three: another summer of gloom and flood doom

Australia is poised to enter a third consecutive La Nina event after months of speculation by the Bureau of Meteorology

Warragamba Dam in Sydney’s west. Picture: Toby Zerna

Australia is poised to enter a third consecutive summer La Nina event.

After months of speculation, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed another summer of wet weather is set to lash the country’s east coast.

On Tuesday, the BOM confirmed a new La Nina event is developing in the Pacific Ocean and would likely affect Australians for the remainder of the year.

“Models indicate this La Nina event may peak during the spring and return to neutral conditions early in 2023,” the BOM announced.

“La Nina events increase the chances of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during spring and summer. ”

The gloomy forecast indicates it will be the first time in two decades Australia will experience three consecutive La Nina events.

It comes as the nation is due to be hit by a second weather event with the arrival of a negative Indian Ocean Dipole, which is continuing to cause cooler-than-average temperatures and will likely lead to more rainfall across Australia.

“All surveyed climate models suggest that negative IOD conditions are likely to continue into late spring,“ the BOM said on Tuesday. “When a La Nina and negative IOD combine, it further increases the likelihood of above-average rainfall over Australia, particularly in the eastern half of the continent.”

While a third La Nina increases the risk of flooding, it will also decrease the risk of bushfire, with the NSW State Emergency Service already warning residents to prepare for the risk of flooding again.

“There is already wet soil, high rivers and full dams right across our state, and with more rain on the horizon comes the very real possibility of flooding,” SES commissioner Carlene York said.

“If you live in a flood-prone area, I urge you to take steps to prepare now. Make sure you know your risk, have an up-to-date emergency plan and emergency kit. Preparing early will save you vital time during an emergency.”