Please note: this snapshot is only one source of information that is needed to understand seasonal conditions such as drought to inform government and industry.
The
Tasmanian Seasonal Conditions Report (Indicators Snapshot) is produced by the Department to provide a brief snapshot of current seasonal, economic and agronomic conditions for Tasmania. The snapshot is updated by AgriGrowth Tasmania within the Department.
July 2026 Seasonal Conditions Report
Tasmanian Seasonal Conditions Insights Commentary for July 2026 (PDF 872Kb)
Drought cycle status
| Average Seasonal Conditions |
Flinders Island, King Island, Circular Head, West Coast, Derwent Valley, Central Highlands, Tasman Peninsula, South East |
Preparedness
|
North East, East Coast, Midlands
|
| Emerging Drought Conditions | Nil
|
| In Drought | Nil
|
Transition to Recover
| Nil
|
Refer to: Fact Sheet: Seasonal Conditions and Drought – Tasmania (March 2026) for details on the phased drought decision-making framework used in Tasmania:
Seasonal Conditions and Drought Tasmania -Fact Sheet (PDF 339Kb)
Primary Indicators
In July 2026, Tasmania experienced mostly average rainfall conditions, with below average rainfall along the east coast from Maria Island to Binalong Bay, inland to approximately Campbell Town. Parts of the West Coast, Central Highlands and the Derwent Valley recorded above average rainfall for July.
During the 12‑month period from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026, the East Coast of Tasmania has received below or well below average rainfall. Most of the remaining areas in the state received average rainfall over this 12-month period, with a stretch down the West Coast, Central Highlands and the Derwent Valley receiving above average rainfall.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting below‑average rainfall and warmer‑than‑average temperatures.
Additional Climatic Indicators
Soil moisture (improving)
Soil moisture is following an east–west split for runoff. The western half of Tasmania remained mostly in the above average range, while much of the eastern half was generally average.
Run-off (continues to improve)
Runoff conditions were mixed across Tasmania in July. The western half generally remained in the average to above average range, reflecting continued support from recent rainfall. In contrast, the eastern half experienced below average runoff.
Water (typical for July)
Water access activity was typical for July, with some flood and opportunistic takes issued in June.
More than half of Tasmanian Irrigation (TI) dams are now above 80% capacity. Somedams in the central south and south-east of the State remain between 30% and 50% full, reflecting the dominance of north-westerly weather systems in recent months. TI delivered 2,660 ML across its schemes in the first month of the 2026-27 financial year, the highest July delivery on record by a margin of 15%.
Economic and Agronomic Indicators
Markets (evolving)
Global fuel prices increased over the month of July.
Livestock (strong prices continue)
Prices for red meat remain strong with sheep meat and beef prices higher than the same time last year.
Horticulture (harvest complete)
Harvesting complete for late commodities. Potato price negotiations underway.
Field Crops (Stable)
Input prices continue to be monitored by growers
Fodder Availability
Fodder supply remains adequate.
Social Indicators
On-ground intelligence
Sentiment amongst farmers is variable. July’s seasonal conditions were an improvement from June. Input costs continue to apply pressure to production.
Support
Support measures are always available to farmers in need. Support available includes:
Local Economy
The monthly inflation series showed the inflation rate was 3.8 per cent in the twelve months to June, a lower rate than in May. The Bank will make its next interest rate decision 29 September 2026.
Freight and logistics
Freight services are operating normally. Freight costs high reflecting a lagged impact of increased fuel prices.
Resources and more information
The National Drought Agreement (NDA) between the Australian, state and territory governments was updated in 2024. It provides
an overarching framework for nationally coordinated drought policy.
a clear pathway for how jurisdictions will work together on drought policies and programs to help farming businesses, farming families and farming communities to manage and prepare for future challenges and risks in a variable and changing climate.
The Tasmanian Drought Framework has been developed on a 'phased approach' to the drought cycle that uses meteorological (rainfall), agronomic (production) and socio-economic indicators to determine if an area is moving towards or away from a drought.
Seasonal Conditions and Drought Tasmania -Fact Sheet (PDF 360Kb)
National Drought Agreement (PDF 234Kb)
More information is available through the below links for Seasonal Conditions:
Weathernow Map - Real time weather and climate information tools
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) - Long-range weather, climate and hydrology
NRE Tas Water Portal - Where all water data including current and historic river flow data is held.
Tasmanian Irrigation Dam Levels - Tasmanian Irrigation has developed a new system that enables reporting on irrigation scheme water storages. This data is updated daily at 00:15 Hrs AEST.
Farming Forecaster - Developed with graziers, Farming Forecaster places soil moisture, local weather, pasture production, and livestock performance information at graziers' fingertips.
Please note: Information on this webpage provides general information relating to seasonal conditions and the State’s agricultural sector and food production. Its contents are intended for informational purposes only. The Crown in Right of the State of Tasmania, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability, however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss arising from the use or reliance upon the content of this document. No liability or responsibility is accepted for the consequences of any inaccuracy in this document, and persons relying upon it do so at their own risk absolutely.
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