Parts of northern Australia from Queensland to WA face a higher bushfire risk this year as the El Nino effect strengthens, according to a report from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Co-operative Research Centre.

About 80% of Queensland is already in drought, and with average to below-average rainfall forecast and temperatures above average, conditions are unlikely to improve.

The northern wet season is likely to be delayed and lower rainfall is forecast across the far north.

El Nino is expected to persist for the rest of this year and strengthen in spring, the centre says.

Bushfires usually occur every year in the fire-prone Kimberley and Pilbara regions of WA. Areas of the Kimberley face above-normal risk this year.

The NT has experienced inconsistent rain this year and some areas face above-normal fire potential, the report says.