Short-term forecasting and the longer-term seasonal outlooks should become more accurate and provide more detail, thanks to a historic deal between weather agencies in Australia and the UK.

The Bureau of Meteorology has done a deal with the UK's Met Office to adapt its climate modelling system to Australian conditions.

Chief scientist Doctor Neville Smith says the computer system is recognised as among the best in the world and will have the biggest impact on farmers.  "Probably the most significance will be in fact in the rural areas, because the forecast that farmers use at zero to three days are definitely going to be improved," he said.  "In parallel with this we're also working with the CSIRO on the climate models as well, using this same technology and we expect substantial improvements in those areas."