*Drought* After record spring droughts, with raging wildfires, Australia is on the verge of a record hot and dry summer, extending the ongoing crisis! And the Indian Ocean is to blame!

Australia is on the verge of a record drought! Abnormally warm and very dry spring over the eastern and northern parts has already caused water shortage and widespread bushfires.

Spring in Australia was marked by heatwaves, record low precipitation, and bushfires.

The latest seasonal forecasts show an abnormally hot summer, and dry in the eastern half of the country is about to start.

Who or what is to blame for all of this? Forest fires and droughts are not uncommon in Australia, and happen every year, but with different intensity.

The main culprit this season is the record strong Indian Ocean Dipole.

The IOD event this year was unusually strong, actually strongest on record, and is expected to prolong its influence into the summer season, so severe drought conditions will extend into next year.

The sea surface temperature analysis for the Indian Ocean where clearly shows the two dipoles of IOD. The analysis of previous positive IOD events shows its main influence on the climate of Australia, so mostly warmer and drier conditions are expected.

https://www.severe-weather.eu/global-weather/australia-drought-fire-spring-summer-iod-fa/