As spring begins, the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest seasonal outlook points to warmer-than-average conditions across much of Australia and contrasting rainfall prospects between regions.

The forecast, issued on 27 August, favours above-average rainfall across much of the western half of the country and below-average rainfall in parts of southern and eastern Australia. Overnight temperatures are likely to be above average across most of the country.

These are seasonal probabilities, not a prediction that every day will be hot or dry. The Bureau notes that below-average seasonal rainfall does not rule out individual wet periods.

Spring is also a peak period for severe thunderstorms along the east coast. Residents should continue checking local forecasts and warnings rather than using the seasonal outlook as a daily weather guide.