It is not the headline or news that anyone in Lismore and the Northern Rivers wants to read, but it is necessary information we need to know.

The Bureau of Meteorology has moved to a La Niña Watch.

While conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean are currently neutral, there are some signs that a La Niña may form in the Pacific Ocean later in 2024. It is important to note, however, that there is a similar likelihood that the tropical Pacific Ocean will remain neutral.

Moving to La Nina watch does not mean that the Bureau is declaring that a La Niña event is underway.

Bureau of Meteorology Climate Manager Dr Karl Braganza said rainfall and temperature forecasts are not based on the status of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation Outlook.

"The best guidance for future rainfall or temperature forecasts is the Bureau’s long-range forecast.

"The long-range forecast for June to August is showing an increased chance of above average rainfall for parts of eastern Australia, and parts of Western Australia and South Australia

"There are roughly equal chances of above or below median rainfall for most of eastern Australia, including much of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania."

June to August maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely to be above median across all States and Territories.

The Bureau's long-range forecast winter outlook will be released at the end of May, while the Spring and Summer outlooks will be released later in the year.

La Niña, along with El Niño, is part of a natural climate cycle known as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is reminding people to know their risk and have a plan for severe weather, following the Bureau officially declaring a La Nina Watch.  

The NSW SES say they are prepared for any potential impact of changing weather patterns as there are signs La Nina could return later this year.

NSW SES Director of Emergency Management, Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said now was the time for people to review their emergency plans and know their risks should severe weather or flooding impact their community.  

“While storms and flash flooding can happen at any time, if a La Nina weather pattern does return later this year it will be the fourth in as many years and we want the community to remain vigilant,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.  

“La Nina weather events can bring above average rainfall, as we saw over the last couple of years with record flooding to many parts of NSW.”  

“It is important to know your storm and flooding risk, have a plan in place, get your home ready, be aware of what you will do if disaster strikes, and look out for one another.  

“Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains, secure and put away any loose items around your backyard and balcony, and trim trees and branches that could fall onto your home.  

“People can learn their risks by visiting the NSW SES website, and you can stay up to date with emerging weather situations by downloading the Hazards Near Me app and setting watch zones for your local neighbourhood and those you may visit regularly.”  

Assistant Commissioner Hogan said the Service was well prepared for future disasters as the lead agency for floods, storms and tsunamis.  

“The NSW SES is ready to respond to any future floods and storms and we’ve boosted operational capabilities through training and an increase in vessels, flood rescue equipment, and high clearance vehicles over the past 12 months,” she said.  

“During the past year alone, we’ve enhanced flood rescue capabilities and trained an additional 648 members in our suite of flood rescue course to ensure our personnel are skilled and ready to respond to flooding events.”  

A volunteer recruitment campaign for new members is underway, encouraging people from all walks of life to considering joining the NSW SES.  

For more information on how to get ready, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/getready 

To stay across the latest warnings and information, download the Hazards Near Me app. 

For assistance from the NSW SES, phone 132 500. If it’s life-threatening call Triple Zero (000).