The Indian Ocean has made a comeback in recent weeks and the effects are being felt across the country. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is an index that represents a pattern of sea surface temperatures between Africa and Indonesia. A negative IOD occurs when warmer-than-usual waters pool to the northwest of Australia and cooler waters sit off the east coast of Africa. This temperature contrast enhances the amount of moisture and rainfall over parts of Australia at this time of year. Conversely, a positive IOD represents the opposite pattern of sea surface temperatures and usually causes drier weather in Australia. The current negative IOD event became the strongest in 50 years of recorded history when it peaked in early July. This was one of the main reasons Australia had its second wettest winter on record. After weakening during late winter, the negative IOD has re-strengthened quite rapidly in recent weeks. It is currently at its strongest negative value since mid-July and once again close to the events record-breaking peak. Over the next week, prolific spring rainfall will cause flooding across Australia’s east and southeast. This is due largely to the re-strengthening of the negative IOD. Flood watches have been issued in four states and some areas are likely to set new rainfall records for this time of year. Despite the recent spike, forecast models indicate the resurgence of the negative IOD was a blip in the overall weakening trend. The IOD is expected to decline throughout the remainder of the spring, however it should continue to enhance rainfall across eastern Australia for the rest of the season.