Summary of key issues:
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During the week ending 18 April 2017 maximum temperatures were slightly above average across large areas of southern and central Australia.
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The forecast for the next eight days indicates that rainfall totals in excess of 15 millimetres are expected in Victoria, southern and coastal New South Wales, and much of South Australia.
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Water storage levels in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) increased during the week ending 20 April 2017.
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Dairy product prices rose following news of heavy rain in northern New Zealand.
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Saleyard trade lamb prices reached record highs in Victoria in the week ended 19 April, supported by strong restocker demand.