Despite the forecast for drought the other problem with an El Nino is that the warmer water will make a cyclone more likely and the Northern Pacific has had a very busy cyclone season and we will most probably suffer the same fate. Cyclones are very unpredictable so whether we get hit is in the lap of the gods but just because a drought is forecast it does not reduce the likelihood of a cyclone and they are extremely damaging due to flooding and soil erosion.
Farmers and gardeners in particular need to be aware that we may have severe drought after Christmas and take necessary precautions to preserve plants and stock.