February 5, 2026
El Niño and La Niña are powerful climate patterns—but their effects on Australia’s rainfall are more complicated than many expect. Our research reveals how each phase changes monthly rainfall across the country, from widespread wet conditions during La Niña to more limited drying during El Niño. We also uncover surprising local‑scale differences and even moments when El Niño can boost rainfall.
Explore how these climate drivers really work—and what they mean for communities and catchments across Australia.
Read the full paper here > https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL118454