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Abstract:
•Drought is a complex phenomenon with mixed environmental, social and economic implications. Here, we report on the recent history (since 1950) of meteorological drought, which is characterised by severe rainfall deficiency over periods of 12 months or more. •Spatially interpolated rainfall data since 1950 were examined to determine the timing and severity of rainfall deficits as an indicator of meteorological drought. •For most regions, the longest and most severe rainfall deficit occurred in the late 1950s extending to the mid-1960s.Other periods of general rainfall deficiency occurred in the early 1980s and the mid-2000s.Deficits also occurred in the 1950s, early 1970s and parts of the 1990s for some regions. •This analysis of rainfall deficiency for the recent past should provide a guide to the probable severity of future meteorological droughts under continuing, and perhaps enhanced, rainfall variability. Drought will continue to be a recurrent feature in the Rangelands Cluster region, so a key adaptation response for the pastoral industry is simply to be prepared: utilise reliable climate forecasting services and implement drought management strategies promptly as key dates or trigger points for decision making are reached.
