The National Council for fire and emergency services, AFAC, has released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2024.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2024 shows an increased fire risk for large areas of Australia, with key areas of concern in Western NSW and the Riverina regions, close to Deniliquin, and north of Dubbo.

In southern areas, WA’s southeastern coastline and central west, extending to the parts of the SA lower coastal southeast region and lower Eyre Peninsula have an increased risk of fire.

Further east, large areas of the southwest and far west of Victoria, parts of the northeast, and the Mornington Peninsula in southwest Gippsland have an increased risk of fire, as do central northern and central southern NSW.

To the north, fire risk is increased in long-unburnt areas in the southern half of the NT and stretching up north of the Barkly Highway and to the Queensland border. Fires currently burning in the Savanna management zone are expected to ease with monsoon conditions commencing.

Northern Australia broadly received average to above average rainfall, but southern Australian received below average rainfall for the cool season and into spring. As a result, soil moisture is below average across much of southern and eastern Australia.

Mean temperatures for April to October were the third highest on record since 1910. For almost all jurisdictions, temperature means continue to be above average to very much above average.

An increased chance of above average rainfall this summer is predicted for much of the eastern states, and parts of SA and WA. Maximum and minimum summer temperatures are likely to very likely be above average across most jurisdictions.

AFAC CEO Rob Webb said: “No matter where you live or travel this season, everyone can play an important role in bushfire safety this summer by being prepared and staying alert to warnings and advice.”

“The dry winter and spring period across southern Australia mean the landscape is well primed for bushfires. Communities should be ready for bushfires and have a plan in place. We hope the rains come but it makes sense to plan as if they don’t."

"Local fire authorities will be monitoring bushfire risk this season so you can stay up to date and ready to act if there is an emergency.”

Communities are encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert this summer even if in areas of Australia showing normal risk of fire. Catastrophic fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons.