Atypical influence of the 2007 La Nina on rainfall and temperature in southeastern Australia

Abstract

Interannual climate variations associated with E1 Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dominate rainfall and temperature variability in southeastern Australia's MurrayDarling Basin (MDB), an important region for agricultural productivity. Following a decade-long dry period, a La Niña during 2007 failed to provide above average rainfall and cool temperatures in the southern half of the MDB, typical of most La Niña events for the region. Instead, annual (winter halfyear) rainfall was 17% (35%) below average and maximum temperatures 0.91°C (1.26°C) above average. Based on the past variability between La Niña events, the combined probability of such anomalies is less than 2%. It is likely that these..