Warmer and drier than average conditions are expected across many parts of the country following what has been one of the warmest winters on record.

The outlook suggests spring rainfall is likely to be below-average.

Long range forecasting manager Dr Andrew Watkins said the outlook was not great news for farmers in drought.

"These regions need a lot of rain to break the current drought," Dr Watkins said.

"Like all Australians, all of us at the Bureau of Meteorology are hoping those affected by the drought will get the rain they need soon.

"Unfortunately, our outlooks show odds favouring a drier and warmer than average spring for many areas."

Daytime temperatures during spring are expected to be warmer-than-average.

With low rainfall and clear skies likely, the risk of cold nights and frost continues in the south, but overall, warmer than normal overnight minimums are likely in many locations for spring.

One of Australia's main climate drivers, the El-Nino-Southern Oscillation is currently in a neutral phase, however the Bureau's ENSO Outlook is at El Niño Watch.

This means the chances of an El Niño forming in the coming spring are 50 per cent, roughly double the normal chances.  

"Traditionally El Niño events result in warmer and drier than average conditions across eastern Australia,” Dr Watkins said.

"However, it is important to remember that the strength of an El Niño event doesn't always translate into the conditions we see.

"For example, in the past we've had strong El Niño events accompanied by mild conditions and weaker El Niño events accompanied by severe conditions.

"A number of international models are also predicting a positive Indian Ocean Dipole event could potentially develop during spring which would further exacerbate the drying trend."

Winter rainfall has also been below average through large parts of eastern Australia.