NSW annual air quality statement 2023: climate
In 2023, New South Wales experienced a warmer and drier year compared to 2022, but rainfall from late spring moderated the intensifying hot and dry conditions.
In 2023, New South Wales experienced a drier-than-average year, with rainfall at least 15% below average across most seasons. Temperatures during the year remained above average for the state. The lower rainfall totals and warmer-than-average temperatures were most notable for the state's inland areas in the north and west and along the coast.
The main climate drivers during 2023 were a dissipating La Niña by March, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño becoming established in September. In late spring, relatively warm sea surface temperatures near eastern Australia increased rain and thunderstorms along the east coast, when some sites along the state's southeast border experienced their wettest November in 20 years. During December, a positive Southern Annual Mode brought wetter-than-expected conditions.
While the widespread rainfall in late spring and early summer did bring some relief, the NSW Combined Drought Indicator showed that 63% of the state was in a drought category by the end of December.
Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales annual climate summary: 2023
Climate summary maps
New South Wales rainfall deciles
See Bureau of Meteorology map of New South Wales showing the rainfall decile ranges for 1 January to 31 December 2023.
Bureau of Meteorology 12-monthly rainfall deciles for NSW: 2023
NSW maximum temperature deciles in 2023
See Bureau of Meteorology map of New South Wales showing the maximum (daytime) temperature decile ranges for 1 January to 31 December 2023.
Bureau of Meteorology 12-monthly maximum temperature deciles for NSW: 2023
NSW minimum temperature deciles
See Bureau of Meteorology map of New South Wales shows the minimum (night-time) temperature decile ranges from 1 January to 31 December 2023.
Bureau of Meteorology 12-monthly minimum temperature deciles for NSW: 2023
New South Wales Combined Drought Indicator
See Department of Primary Industries map of New South Wales showing drought-affected categories to 31 December 2023.
Department of Primary Industries New South Wales State Seasonal Update: December 2023