Dry seasons and drought

Long-term records show that our climate is becoming warmer and drier. This trend is expected to continue, with dry seasons likely to become more frequent over southern Western Australia.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides data and information on seasonal weather through its network of automatic weather stations and seasonal climate forecasts through the Statistical Climate Information system.

In dry years, the department provides information to assist growers and agribusiness to manage seasonal conditions and their consequences.

Articles

  • The Season 2023 webpage contains seasonally relevant information and management options in the broadacre agricultural areas of Western Australia.

  • Climate change is a pressing global issue that creates both challenges and opportunities for Western Australia.

  • Across Australia, $100 million will be invested annually in projects to strengthen drought resilience. These projects will:

  • Annual pasture production is often severely affected by low rainfall 'dry seasons'.

  • Western Australia's climate has changed over the last century, particularly over the last 50 years. Average temperature has risen about 1°C.

  • 2019 has been a difficult season for many throughout Western Australia with variable rainfall impacting on production and profitability.

  • This page provides the presentations from the ''Managing sheep in dry spring: for agribusiness professionals" event held in Kojonup, Geraldton and Perth in 2017.

  • Grazing or feeding in native vegetation in the south-west of Western Australia should not be done except as a last resort.

  • DAFWA provides data and information on current season through its network of automatic weather stations and seasonal climate forecasts through the Statistical Climate Information system.

  • Managing farm biosecurity following a fire, flood or dry season is a balance of caring for livestock and paddocks while limiting the introduction of new pests, diseases or weeds onto the property.