The latest outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology for November to January points to the odds beginning to shift to average or wetter than average conditions for most of south-eastern Australia.

Bureau forecaster Andrew Haigh said data for the Illawarra predicted slightly higher than average rainfall for November but a higher chance of rain throughout December.

Mr Haigh said the reprieve could likely come in January which may be “slightly on the drier side” of the months preceding it.

The outlook also signalled extra cloud cover which would probably moderate daytime temperatures while making nights warmer and stickier than usual.

Even average rain for the region, though, would be welcomed by residents worried about the drying out of their parks and gardens. 

It comes as the Illawarra has experienced its hottest September in nearly two decades. In late September Albion Park  experienced its hottest September day in 19 years with a top of 34.4 degrees, beating the previous record of 34 in 2006.

While Bellambi experienced its warmest September night in 19 years with a minimum of 20.6 degrees, beating the previous record of 19.7 in 2013.

Last month was also the driest on record for Wollongong, Sydney and NSW. No rain was recorded at Albion Park so far September, with just 0.4mm registered in the Bellambi rain gauge.

The state registered its ninth driest winter on record and the driest since 2002.