In a welcome relief following last summer's infernos, the Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook indicates a lower risk of bushfires over the 2020-21 season.
Instead, the bureau is warning of a wetter than normal summer, with an above-average chance of rainfall as a La Nina weather pattern likely peaks in December or January.
“There is a risk of widespread flooding, particularly in eastern Australia,” BOM head of climate predictions Andrew Watkins said on Thursday.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said it could be the first widespread summer flooding Victoria has had in almost a decade.
“For the last few years, we've had some really hot and dry summers interspersed with the odd day of a heavy rainfall event,” he said.
“We remember in 2010 and 2011 (that) was probably the last really wet summer across much of Victoria.”
La Nina is expected to remain in force until at least the start of autumn.
While the risk of bushfires isn't as high as 12 months ago, blazes will still flare up with warm weather and rain accelerating plant growth and increasing fuel levels.
The bushfire outlook shows grassfires are predicted in large parts of south-east Australia, including Victoria's north-east.
“In NSW and Victoria, grassfires are very much the greater concern rather than bushfires this year,” researcher John Bates said.
Despite the lessening risk of bushfires, Australia is tipped to once again sweat through multiple heatwaves this summer.
Although temperatures are unlikely to reach the extremes seen in previous years, Dr Watkins said the heatwaves could last longer and feature increased humidity.