Drought fears as Pearshape Lagoon goes dry

King Island has experienced a significantly dry start to 2025, with rainfall totals across the first four months falling well below seasonal averages. The prolonged dry spell is impacting pasture growth, water storage, and soil conditions as the region enters the winter period.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology and local weather records, King Island recorded just 50.0 mm of rain between January and April 2025. Monthly totals were as follows:

January: 6.4 mm

February: 17.0 mm

March: 10.2 mm

April: 16.4 mm

All four months recorded below-average rainfall, continuing a pattern of dry conditions that have persisted since 2024.

In comparison, the same period in 2024 (February to April) produced 62.6 mm of rain, including a notably wetter April with 46.4 mm. This year’s April figure, just 16.4 mm, is approximately one-third of the previous year’s.

The March total of 10.2 mm also represents a drop from March 2024’s 13.8 mm, and the low January figure placed it among the driest on record for that month.

Warmer-than-average daytime temperatures during this period have compounded the dryness, increasing evaporation rates and placing further pressure on already depleted soil moisture levels.

Forecasts for May currently indicate average to below-average rainfall, with no significant systems expected in the short term. The island's agricultural sector, which depends on reliable seasonal rainfall for autumn pasture growth, faces a challenging lead-in to winter. Due to the variable rainfall levels that occurs across the island farmers in the north and west are experiencing drier conditions than those centrally located. Many are expressing concern about dropping temperatures, which will impact grass growth, even if there are some good rains over the next few weeks. 

“Farmers are watching closely, however general reports are that they are better positioned this year due to the drought resilience preparation work taken last year”, President of Beef Producers Group, Nick Lyttle said. “The concern is the cooler temperatures which will impact grass growth if we get some rain, but we have a better idea of what levers to pull”.

Producers are being encouraged to monitor on-farm conditions closely, assess stock water supplies, and review contingency plans as the dry trend continues.