However, DPI Seasonal Conditions Coordinator, Ian McGowen said while the rainfall was especially welcomed heading into the warmer months, not all areas received much needed rain.

“Below average rainfall across the tablelands, north west, central west and Riverina areas was recorded in September,” Mr McGowen said.

“Drier than normal conditions are likely across eastern, central and northern NSW through to the end of the year and there’s a near-equal chance for above or below median rainfall for areas of the south and west.

“We’re also anticipating warmer than normal daytime and overnight conditions which will have a dramatic effect on soil moisture across the State.”

Mr McGowen said moisture stress has reduced winter crop yield prospects in areas of the west, central west and north, and prospects for the southern crops are mixed based on varying September rainfall.

“Areas in the far south that received reasonable September rainfall are showing good yield potential, except for some very early sown crops which suffered frost damage,” Mr McGowen said.

“However winter crops in the west, areas of the central west and north have suffered from moisture stress during crucial grain fill. While the extent of yield losses is not yet known, grain quality is likely to suffer.”

“Lack of soil moisture is now expected to restrict summer crop sowings in the north of the State and water costs are reducing the prospects for rice and some other irrigated crops in the south.

“Pasture growth declined across north west and areas of the west and central west during the month, but improved across the coast.

“Limited pasture growth outlook information suggests below average pasture growth is possible over the October to December period across much of central and eastern NSW.”