The Changing Face of Australian Summers: From Bushfires to Floods
Bushfires one day and floods the next — the likelihood of back-to-back severe weather events during Australian summers is increasing in a warming climate.
In 2019-2020, the devastating bushfire season ravaged Australia, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. However, this was followed by downpours and flooding over the next two years, complicating the response and recovery efforts.
The Climate Council warns there is a growing risk that different parts of Australia may face more than one disaster at once or in quick succession, with cascading severe weather events a live possibility for the summer that’s just begun.
The Long-Range Forecast
Above-average temperatures are predicted for the 2024-25 summer in many parts of Australia, based on the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecasts.
Warmer-than-average days can be expected in much of the nation as well as sweatier evenings, with unusually high overnight temperatures predicted for much of northern, eastern, and western Australia.
The summer will also likely be wetter than normal — especially in December — with a greater chance of unusually high rainfall in parts of Australia’s east and north-west.
Expectations of a wet start to summer do not rule out bushfires, with patches of the country, particularly grasslands in western Victoria and eastern South Australia and parts of NSW, already at a higher risk of fires.
- Mullins said heavy rain was a double-edged sword for firefighters
- Grass dries faster than bush and forest vegetation, becoming fuel for fast-moving fires
- Hot, windy days following rain can lead to fire outbreaks
Increasing Unpredictability
Professor Emeritus David Karoly, a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne, highlighted the risks posed by higher night-time temperatures.
Hotter conditions at night pose challenges for bushfire management and hazard reduction burning
He said predicting summer conditions had become increasingly challenging and erratic.
“Even last year, the Bureau of Meteorology had been forecasting drier conditions in spring, which we did experience,” Karoly said.
“And then it changed in November and in the summer to be actually much wetter conditions because the ocean temperatures around Australia are much hotter than normal.
“Climate pollution from coal, oil, and gas have led to hotter global temperatures, but also hotter ocean temperatures.”
Conclusion
The unpredictability of Australian summers, from extreme heatwaves and bushfires to sudden floods and storms, is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our environment and communities. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns become more erratic, it is crucial for policymakers, emergency services, and individuals to adapt and prepare for these changing conditions to mitigate the risks and protect lives and property.
FAQ
What are the main challenges posed by climate change in Australian summers?
Climate change is leading to increased unpredictability in Australian summers, with extreme weather events such as bushfires, floods, and storms becoming more frequent and severe. Higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and hotter ocean temperatures are all contributing to the challenges faced during the summer season.
How can individuals and communities prepare for the changing climate in Australia?
It is important for individuals and communities to stay informed about weather forecasts, have emergency plans in place, and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint to mitigate the effects of climate change. Working together to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate can help protect lives, property, and the environment.