Australia experienced a dramatic contrast in weather patterns this May, with extreme wet conditions on the east coast and severe drought across southern regions. It really showed just how unpredictable our climate can be and highlighted the growing need to understand and plan for climate-related risks.
East Coast soaked by record-breaking rainfall
While eastern New South Wales was drenched, Victoria and South Australia faced one of their driest Mays in decades. The discrepancy was record-breaking. For some areas in New South Wales, May became the wettest ever recorded. In contrast, Victoria had its driest May since 2005, with 70% below average rainfall across the state.
At the heart of the intense, prolonged rainfall in NSW was a stubborn low-pressure trough, just off the coast. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported daily rain totals exceeding 200mm in multiple locations. Bellingen’s Promised Land weather station stood out, recording a staggering 802mm of rain for the month, which is more than double its usual average. On the 22nd May alone, Bellingen saw 337mm, setting a new daily record for May.
Southern regions gripped by severe drought
Meanwhile, in southern Australia, it was a different story entirely. Rain clouds were notably absent, with some agricultural regions in South Australia labelled as experiencing “extreme to exceptional drought.” According to climatologist Darren Ray from the University of Adelaide, some parts have recorded their lowest drought index readings in over a century.
The broader weather patterns driving this stark contrast are worth noting. Normally, a subtropical ridge is something you’d expect to see in the summer, but this year it settled unusually far south early in winter. This has led to a high-pressure system over southern Australia that’s preventing rain-bearing systems from reaching the area and allowing moisture to accumulate and flow onto the eastern seaboard.
Associate Professor Ailie Gallant from Monash University described the situation as “unusual,” adding that the same system was behind both the rain and the drought. She noted the growing hardship for farmers and emphasised the unpredictable nature of such extreme events.
Dr Kimberley Reid from the University of Melbourne highlighted another key aspect: the importance of heavy rain events. In drought-prone southern areas, just a handful of rainy days each year can make the difference between a normal season and a drought. This year, those critical days simply didn’t arrive.
Responding to climate risk
Temperature data further underscored the extraordinary conditions. Autumn across Australia was the fourth warmest on record, with average temperatures 1.41C above the long-term norm. Victoria had its warmest autumn ever, followed closely by New South Wales and Western Australia.
As we look ahead, experts are warning that the extreme weather events we’ve been witnessing may not just be one-off incidents; they could be indicators of what’s to come.
At Groundsure Australia, we recognise the growing urgency to equip property professionals, planners and residents with the tools they need to understand climate risks. Our ClimateIndex Report is designed to do just that. It offers future-focused insights into environmental hazards like flooding and bushfires, projecting risks all the way to 2100 for both residential and commercial properties.
With the climate becoming increasingly unpredictable, it’s vital that we not only support affected communities but also focus on building long-term resilience. The property decisions we make today should take the future into account. Our ClimateIndex Report helps make that possible.
Discover how the ClimateIndex Report can support smarter, safer property decisions for the years ahead – www.groundsure.com.au/products/au-climateindex-australia/