We expect them to subside by Friday and normal sunny conditions back by the weekend.

People are asking if this the end of the drought, but what we are saying is its effects are going to persist for a long time.

Now there's availability of water but there will be the delayed impact on agriculture.

We can confidently say the rains have established. In many arid and semi-arid regions, the drought is already alleviating, the dams are filling up and there is water for livestock.

You can do all those sorts of things. It's sort of mind games and a bit of fun. And if it all comes off, it's wonderful. And if it doesn't come off, you're stupid. It's as simple as that.

It's for all the gold in the world.