Southern Australia is seeing one of its driest starts to the year in 2026, with much of the state, particularly Victoria, experiencing historically low rainfall for January. The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that rainfall was below average across significant parts of the southeast, far west, and central regions. This decline in moisture is attributed to a decrease in the frequency of east coast low weather systems, which traditionally contribute to rainfall in these areas.

Farmers in the region are feeling the impact of the persistent dry conditions, as they must adapt their costs and crop strategies to address the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The situation is compounded by ongoing drought conditions following a series of dry years, which have raised concerns about food security and agricultural sustainability. Despite having dealt with dry spells, this year’s record low rainfall presents new challenges for local agriculture and livelihoods.

Additionally, the dry conditions have coincided with significant bushfire activity, with reports indicating that over 435,000 hectares have been affected, a third of which comprises farmland. This alarming trend raises important questions regarding climate change, water resource management, and the overall environmental health of southern Australia. As the weather patterns shift and extreme weather events become more common, the resilience of communities in southern Australia is increasingly tested.