The current La Nina weather event could match the strength of the last one, which caused devastating flooding in parts of Australia.

A La Nina typically increases the chance of above-average rainfall across much of Australia during spring. Above-average summer rainfall is also typical across eastern Australia.

The Bureau of Meteorology previously believed the current event was unlikely to equal the La Nina of 2010–12, which was one of the four strongest on record.

But its latest predictions are more severe.

“All surveyed international climate models indicate this La Nina will persist through the southern hemisphere summer 2020–21,” the Bureau said.

“Most models suggest the La Nina will strengthen, peaking in December.

“Around half the models anticipate a strong event, meaning there is a possibility it could reach similar strength to the La Nina of 2010–12.

“The strength of La Nina impacts on Australia are often related to the strength of the event.”

However, models also forecast this event will be shorter than 2010-12, possibly ending in the first quarter of 2021.