Qld suffering worst drought in its history

Queensland is suffering the most widespread drought in the state's history, with the big dry now affecting more than 80 per cent of its land.

The state government has added another four council areas to the list of drought declared areas following a patchy wet season and the weather bureau's declaration of an El Nino event that will result in hotter and drier conditions.

The total area of Queensland that's drought declared is 80.35 per cent, eclipsing the previous record of 79.01 per cent in March 2014.