Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) Betrays Australia Again

Can't catch a break, it seems:

As storms lashed Sydney on Sunday night and yesterday, a key weather indicator predicted another dry winter.

The Southern Oscillation Index had been rising towards neutral territory, a sign that drought is weakening, but in recent weeks it has plunged dramatically and it reached a five-month low yesterday of -13.1.

The only consolation is that the SOI can change direction rather dramatically, so not all is lost.

Listening on Brisbane radio, the DJs joked about today's "chances for showers" forecast, and said they had heard the same thing for the last four years....

My guess: rain by next weekend.

I know, I know, "the same thing for the last four years...."