Fires are raging around the world as climate change continues to impact, and average temperatures continue to climb, and while we may be enjoying what feels like a rare bit of sunshine in the Northern Rivers, with a strong to super El Niño coming our way, now is the time to prepare for the fire season.

Though much of the state is looking at bringing water restrictions forward in the face of El Niño, Level 2 restrictions in Nimbin will be officially lifted from next Monday, October 23. 

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has declared an El Nino weather pattern, with less-than-average rainfall forecast for the Northern Rivers this year. Tweed Council is reminding residents and visitors that it is important to save water.

With the warmest week being recorded globally, RMIT’s Dr Trivess Moore is encouraging home owners to prepare.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells us the budget surplus this financial year ballooned from an expected $4.2 billion out to $19 billion. Ordinary Australians, desperately trying to keep their budgets under control and cost cutting wherever they can, should expect some kind of relief from this surprise windfall.

The frequency of extreme El Niño events is projected to increase for a further century after global mean temperature is stabilised at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

A drought-inducing El Nino will be with us until the end of the year at least, while the Indian Ocean may also conspire to cut rainfall in Australia.