Despite the August rain, another active fire season threatens

By Peter Hannam
Updated October 9 2014 - 10:18am, first published September 2 2014 - 8:06am
Slip and slide: Samuel, 2 and Gideon, 4, Waker celebrate the first day of spring. Photo: Steven Stewert
Slip and slide: Samuel, 2 and Gideon, 4, Waker celebrate the first day of spring. Photo: Steven Stewert
Spring is sprung: Ivy Hayes with a spring lamb in the southern highlands. Photo: Getty Images/ Sahlan Hayes
Spring is sprung: Ivy Hayes with a spring lamb in the southern highlands. Photo: Getty Images/ Sahlan Hayes
Outlook points to a busy fire season for many regions. Photo: Wolter Peeters
Outlook points to a busy fire season for many regions. Photo: Wolter Peeters
A wet August brought rains to average levels for winter in the east but south-west was dry. Photo: BoM
A wet August brought rains to average levels for winter in the east but south-west was dry. Photo: BoM
Mean temperatures are running at record levels for eastern states over past year. Photo: BoM
Mean temperatures are running at record levels for eastern states over past year. Photo: BoM
Above normal fire activity expected for main population regions of east and west. Photo: BNHCRC
Above normal fire activity expected for main population regions of east and west. Photo: BNHCRC
rainfall charts
rainfall charts
Temperature chart
Temperature chart

Above-average temperatures and rain deficits mean Australia's main population centres can expect a more active bushfire season this summer than usual.