Rainfall analysis

Rainfall Totals

Widespread rainfall across NSW in May.  

• The highest totals were recorded on the far north coast and Hunter regions of NSW (above 400mm).
• At the time of writing (post 30 May) further rain events were occurring across parts of NSW.

Rainfall for 2026 has been highest in coastal areas and the adjacent ranges of NSW.

Rainfall Percentiles

Rainfall was well below average for large parts of NSW during May 2026.

Year to date rainfall deficits remain for parts of NSW.

• Widespread rainfall deficits can be observed across large areas of northern and central NSW.
• In far western NSW, rainfall has been very high compared to the historical record, at percentile 80-100.

Rainfall percentiles are compared to the 1981-2020 baseline record.