Australians are most likely in for a third year of wetter weather than usual with forecasters predicting a 70 per cent likelihood of La Nina remaining.

La Nina is a weather phenomenon that leads to cooler but wetter weather, with above-average rainfall in Australia’s east and north.

The weather pattern has been the driver of Australia’s recent bout of devastating floods.

Cooling is under way in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with the Bureau of Meteorology saying La Nina events have developed 70 per cent of the time under these conditions.

This is on top of a “negative” Indian Ocean Dipole, where the waters are cooler in the ocean’s west than in its east, and westerly winds hit Australia’s northwest.

Australia experienced back-to-back La Nina years in 2020 and 2021.

In July, meteorologists put the odds of La Nina returning at 50/50 but a final declaration can’t be made until October or November at the earliest.

If confirmed, 2022 would see the fourth instance of three consecutive La Nina events since records began in 1900.

NSW SES warns of flood risks due to La Nina forecast

Meanwhile, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is warning communities across NSW to be prepared for heightened risks of severe weather in the coming months.

The Bureau of Metrology has issued a La Nina alert, as their three-month climate outlook showed a high chance of above average rainfall for most of the eastern two-thirds of the Australian mainland between September and November 2022.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York is warning residents to expect adverse weather conditions for months to come.

“With wet soils, high rivers, full dams and the outlook for above average rainfall, there remains an elevated risk of flooding,” Commissioner York said.

“Today’s announcement from the Bureau is yet another reason for people to be prepared for floods.

“Know your own flood risk, develop your flood plan and make sensible and safe decisions.

“Simple things like preparing an emergency evacuation kit can be incredibly useful and help you in the event you need to evacuate your home.

“Our website has a lot of useful information for anyone needing assistance to prepare or learn about their risks.”

 For more information go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au/getready

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