BIG DROUGHT IN SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA

Melbourne, Australia's southern capital city, had its driest September since records began in 1855 prompting weather forecasters to predict that the current long drought will linger on.

Melbourne's average maximum day temperature for September was 19 degrees, up two degrees on the long-time average of 17, making it the warmest September since 2001.

The September spring season is usually the state of Victoria's wettest season. But with only average rainfall forecast for coming months there won't be nearly enough rain to make up for recent shortfalls and the long-running drought.

The Victorian towns of Mildura and Sale broke some of the longest-standing records. Mildura received 2mm of rain, the lowest recorded for September in 62 years. Sale received 12mm, the lowest in 65 years.

The warmer weather and low rainfall levels were attributed to a lack of moisture entering Victoria from the north, partly due to climate change.

While this September there were few strong cold fronts that moved through, they didn't link up with any significant streams of moisture from the north.

Strong northerly winds carrying heat from northern Australia were pushed down across Victoria following strong cold fronts, accounting for the numerous warm days throughout the month.

The exceptionally dry September has directly affected Melbourne's water catchments. September is often cited as a prime "filling" month but the state has had about half the amount of rain and less than half the amount of runoff into reservoirs we'd expect for September.

The state of South Australia also recorded its driest September since 1977.