Drought risk grows as El Nino threat builds

Much of southeast Australia has endured a summer of extreme heat, bushfires, and dry conditions despite La Nina remaining in the Pacific.

Sky News Weather Senior Meteorologist Rob Sharpe says there is now a strong chance El Nino will develop later this year.

With southern Australia already much drier than average over the past two years, the shift could significantly increase the risk of further drought and fire.

Forecasters estimate a 75 per cent chance of El Nino forming within the next 11 months.