South Australia has had its 12th consecutive year of below-average rainfall.
The weather bureau's annual climate statement also shows SA in line with a national trend of rising average temperatures.
The statement ranks 2008 as Australia's 14th-warmest year on record, with an average temperature just over 0.4 degrees Celsius higher than normal.
It says average March temperatures in South Australia were very high, due to the record-breaking heatwave early in the month.
Parts of SA, including parts of the south-east and lower Yorke Peninsula recorded rainfall well below average.
- ABC
© ABC
2008
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