Northern Territory producers warned about cold weather and potential rain for Northern Australia
An out of season weather event is forecasted for producers in the areas from the Katherine to Tennant Creek through to Mount Isa and Longreach.
The BOM have advised an out of season weather event is forecast for producers in the areas from the Katherine to Tennant Creek through to Mount Isa and Longreach have a good chance of temperatures 8 to 14°c below average for this time of year and could see 15-30mm of unseasonal rainfall over a few days with isolated heavier falls.
Producers should note that, the rapid change in temperature could cause stress to livestock, particularly those who are in low body condition (1-2) or more vulnerable animals such as early weaners.
Out of season rainy conditions may persist this week into the weekend, risking a reduction in pasture quality particularly in Mitchell grass country.
Conditions are being driven by an upper trough combining with tropical moisture to produce an extensive cloud-band and light rain that will be slow moving across northern Australia this week. Details about the outlook are available online: Temperature—Summary - Climate Outlooks (bom.gov.au)
For more information, please refer to the Bureau's official forecasts and warnings via bom.gov.au
For information or advice on matters relating to pasture management please contact Caz Pettit, Senior Rangeland Research Officer (08 8999 2014) or your local Livestock Industry Development team in Tenant Creek (08 9862 4483) or Katherine (08 8973 9739).