The rain that’s fallen across the Central Highlands in recent days doesn’t appear to be a sign of things to come. The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) latest Climate and Water Outlook is predicting a summer that’s drier and hotter than usual for Central Queensland. BOM also says there’s now at least a 70 percent chance of an El Niño event, which tends to increase drought and bushfire risks for eastern Australia. Meantime, local farmers who are already experiencing drought can find helpful advice in the Western Bush Bible or from Centacare’s Drought Support Program.