October 2026
The latest information from our partner, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), reports that many drought-affected areas of the state received rainfall during October . A sustained drought recovery in these regions is dependent on follow up rainfall recharging soil and surface water over the coming months. Warmer temperatures are forecast to continue across NSW, which will affect the strength and persistence of recovery, as evaporation rates are set to lift over the remainder of spring and into summer.
Production outlooks and conditions remain favourable in the far west of the state, along with areas in the Murray and Riverina.
Drought conditions remain highly variable in the South East, Hunter, and Central Tablelands, with longer-term rainfall deficiencies persisting in parts of the Hunter and southeast of NSW.
The current Bureau of Meteorology’s Seasonal Outlook (issued 22 October) shows the chance of above median rainfall over the November 2026 to January 2027 period ranges from 40-75% across the state, depending on location, with a more neutral rainfall outlook for southern parts of NSW. Temperatures are likely to be above median (above 80% chance).
The DPIRD drought forecast, issued on 16 October 2026, indicates the current regional pattern of drought conditions is likely to persist across NSW, with many areas in the Central Tablelands, Murray, Riverina and South East Local Land Services (LLS) regions remaining in a drought category of the NSW Combined Drought Indicator. Keep an eye out for the next drought forecast, which will be available on the NSW State Seasonal Update website by 9 November 2026.
Source: NSW DPIRD Combined Drought Indicator
