Key issues
- In the week ending 27 August 2025, low-pressure systems and cold fronts brought rainfall to parts of south-eastern and south-western Australia.
- Across cropping regions rainfall of between 5-100 millimetres was observed in Western Australia. Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales saw between 5-50 millimetres. In southern cropping regions, including South Australia, western Victoria, and southern New South Wales, 5-15 millimetres of rainfall occurred. Parts of southern Victoria saw up to 25 millimetres.
- The low rainfall totals coupled with warming late winter temperatures across much of southern New South Wales, and parts of Victoria and eastern South Australia are likely to see further declines in soil moisture levels with potential impacts on plant growth rates and yield potentials.
- Over the coming eight days to 4 September 2025, rainfall is expected to be low across most cropping regions, with exceptions in the southeast.
- Falls of between 5-50 millimetres are forecast across South Australia, Victoria, and parts of south-eastern New South Wales.
- Remaining areas are expected to receive little to no rainfall.
- The national rainfall outlook for September to November 2025 indicates an increased probability of above median rainfall across much of central and eastern Australia. Most western regions are likely to see below average to average rainfall.
- If realised, the expectation of average to above average September to November 2025 rainfall across most winter cropping regions is likely be sufficient to support the growth and development of winter crops, and the timely planting and establishment of dryland summer crops in eastern Australia.
- Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) increased by 141 gigalitres (GL) between 21 August 2025 and 28 August 2025. The current volume of water held in storages is 14,861 GL, equivalent to 67% of total storage capacity. This is 19% or 3,529GL less than the same time last year. Water storage data is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
- Allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke decreased from $272/ML on 21 August 2025 to $262/ML on 28 August 2025. Trade from the Goulburn to the Murray is closed. Trade downstream through the Barmah Choke is closed. Trade from the Murrumbidgee to the Murray is open.
Full report
Weekly Australian Climate, Water and Agricultural update
Read the full report for the week ending 28 August 2025
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Water
Water storages, water markets and water allocations - current week
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Commodities
Information on weekly price changes in agricultural commodities is now available at the Weekly commodity price update.