Australians have been warned to prepare for one of the hottest summers on record, which threatens to also bring storms and above-average rainfall.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology report for November to January, there is an 80 per cent chance of above-average maximum temperatures across the country.
November to January is likely to see warmer than average days and nights, while above-average rainfall is also expected across much of the south and east of the country, according to the BOM long-range forecast.
Unusually high minimum temperatures are also “very likely” in the north and east of the country.
The last three non-La Niña Australian summers saw average temperatures more than 1.6°C above the long-term average, making them the hottest ever recorded.
The forecast is largely due to high ocean temperatures surrounding Australia.
Warm seas also threaten to increase atmospheric humidity levels, increasing the likelihood of frequent storm outbreaks and above-average rainfall.
BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines said the forecast for above-average temperatures is no longer “very rare”.
Australians have been warned to prepare for one of the hottest summers on record, which threatens to also bring storms and above-average rainfall.
There is an 80 percent chance of above-average high temperatures across the country between November and January.
“As the climate has warmed in recent decades, it is very common for us to see changes in temperatures,” Hines said.
“Virtually for the entire last decade we’ve had above-average summers.”
Australians in the country’s north and east can prepare for wet conditions over the coming months.
“Perhaps those periods of colder weather compared to past summers will be a little shorter or milder,” Mr Hines said.
He added that more frequent hot days, or hotter days in general, are expected during the spring, however, the summer forecast will be published at the end of next month.
It comes as states have been warned to remain “vigilant” this spring following the Australasian Council of Fire and Emergency Services Authorities’ annual conference, with parts of Victoria bracing for increased fire risk.
States have been warned to remain “vigilant” amid increased fire risk during spring (pictured, a firefighter working to extinguish bushfires in Perth in 2021)
Areas in the far west and south-west of Victoria are most at risk as warm temperatures continue into spring, including the Wimmera and the Grampians.
“Dry vegetation in these areas will be highly flammable, making it easier for fires to start and spread,” Mr Nugent said.
“Other areas with drier forests, woodlands and grasslands could also see an earlier start to the bushfire season in Victoria.”
South Australia could also experience an increased risk of bushfires after a dry winter, with areas of greatest concern being the lower south-east and areas along the border with Victoria.
The Northern Territory received a similar warning, particularly in the Alice Springs, Barkly and Savannah regions.
Like Queensland, the Northern Territory is already experiencing a period of fire danger.
Sydney
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Minimum 14°C Maximum 22°C
Monday: Rains in development. Minimum 13°C Maximum 25°C
Tuesday: Shower or two. Minimum 16°C Maximum 22°C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min. 16°C Max. 24°C
brisbane
Sunday: Shower or two. Minimum 17°C Maximum 24°C
Monday: Partly cloudy. Minimum 17°C Maximum 25°C
Tuesday: Possible shower. Minimum 16°C Maximum 27°C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Minimum 17°C Maximum 25°C
Australians have been warned that this summer will be one of the hottest on record, which could lead to catastrophic weather events.
Melbourne
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Minimum 7°C Maximum 24°C
Monday: Shower or two. Min. 13°C Max. 19°C
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Min. 11°C Max. 23°C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Minimum 13°C Maximum 24°C
Adelaide
Sunday: Shower or two. Minimum 15°C Maximum 26°C
Monday: Sunny. Min. 14°C Max. 28°C
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Minimum 16°C Maximum 28°C
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Minimum 15°C Maximum 27°C
Chief meteorologist Angus Hines warned that more frequent hot days are expected later this year.
Perth
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Minimum 13°C Maximum 25°C
Monday: Shower or two. Minimum 13°C Maximum 23°C
Tuesday: Possible morning shower. Min. 13°C Max. 22°C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min. 11°C Max. 22°C
Darwin
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Minimum 25°C Maximum 35°C
Monday: Shower or two. Minimum 25°C Maximum 34°C
Tuesday: Shower or two. Minimum 25°C Maximum 34°C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Minimum 26°C Maximum 34°C
hobart
Sunday: Late shower or two. Min. 6°C Max. 23°C
Monday: Shower or two. Min. 8°C Max. 15°C
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Min. 6°C Max. 18°C
Wednesday: Possible shower. Min 9C Max 20C
