Forecasters say Australia is on track for its wettest El Niño on record as storms drench the east coast.

What it means

This is about Australia experiencing unusually heavy rain during an El Niño event, which typically brings drier conditions to eastern Australia. Forecasters are reporting that 2026 may become Australia's wettest El Niño year on record, with storms and flash flooding drenching the east coast and central regions throughout October.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on official meteorological data and forecasts, likely from the Bureau of Meteorology, as reported by ABC News Australia and other outlets. Multiple credible sources (ABC, news.com.au) converge on the same projection, and similar reporting appeared months earlier, so the claim is solid and well-supported.

How new

Genuinely new – the story was published on October 16–17, 2026, reflecting current forecasts and weather events.

Past coverage

ABC News reported in August 2026 that 2026 was already on track to become Australia's wettest El Niño year on record, after multiple widespread soakings earlier in the year.

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