Aussies have been warned to brace for one of the hottest summers on record, which also threatens to bring storm outbreaks and above-average rain.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology report for November to January, there is an 80 percent chance of above-average maximum temperatures across the country.
Between November and January, days and nights are likely to be warmer than average, while above-average rainfall is also planned for much of the south and east of the country, according to BOM’s long-term forecast.
Unusually high minimum temperatures are also ‘very likely’ in the north and east of the country.
The last three Australian summers outside La Nina recorded average temperatures more than 1.6 degrees above the long-term average, making them the hottest on record.
The forecast is largely due to continued high ocean temperatures around Australia.
The warm seas also threaten to increase humidity in the atmosphere, making frequent storm outbreaks and above-average rainfall more likely.
BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines said the forecast of above-average temperatures is no longer “super unusual.”
Australians have been warned to brace for one of the hottest summers on record, which also threatens to bring storm outbreaks and above-average rain
There is an 80 percent chance of above-average maximum temperatures across the country from November to January
“As the climate has warmed in recent decades, it is very common for us to see temperatures fluctuate,” Mr Hines said.
“Pretty much the entire last decade we’ve had summers that have been somewhere above average.”
Australians in the north and east of the country can brace for humid conditions in the coming months.
“Perhaps compared to past summers, those cooler spells may be a little shorter or milder,” Mr. Hines said.
He added that warm days are more likely to occur, or warmer days in general are planned throughout the spring, but the summer forecast will be released late next month.
It comes as states have been warned to remain ‘vigilant’ this spring following the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council’s annual conference, with parts of Victoria bracing for an increased risk of fire.
States have been warned to remain ‘vigilant’ amid increased spring fire risk (pictured, a firefighter is seen battling bushfires in Perth in 2021)
Areas in far west and south-west Victoria are most at risk as warm temperatures persist into spring, including Wimmera and the Grampians.
“Dry vegetation in these areas will be highly flammable, making it easier for fires to start and spread,” Nugent said.
“Other areas with drier forests, forests and grasslands could also see an earlier start to Victoria’s bushfire season.”
South Australia could also face an increased risk of bushfires after a dry winter, with areas of most concern including the lower south-east and areas along the border with Victoria.
The Northern Territory has been issued a similar warning, particularly around the Alice Springs, Barkly and Savannah regions.
Like Queensland, the NT is already in a fire danger period.
Sydney
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 14C Max 22C
Monday: Showers developing. Min 13C Max 25C
Tuesday: Shower or two. Min 16C Max 22C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min 16C Max 24C
Brisbane
Sunday: Shower or two. Min 17C Max 24C
Monday: Partly cloudy. Min. 17C Max. 25C
Tuesday: Possible shower. Min 16C Max 27C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min. 17C Max. 25C
Aussies have been warned this summer will be one of the hottest on record, potentially causing catastrophic weather
Melbourne
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Min 7C Max 24C
Monday: Shower or two. Min. 13C Max. 19C
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Min 11C Max 23C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min 13C Max 24C
Adelaide
Sunday: Shower or two. Min 15C Max 26C
Monday: Sunny. Min 14C Max 28C
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Min 16C Max 28C
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Min 15C Max 27C
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned that more warm days are on the way at the end of this year
Perth
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 13C Max 25C
Monday: Shower or two. Min 13C Max 23C
Tuesday: Possible morning shower. Min 13C Max 22C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min 11C Max 22C
Darwin
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 25C Max 35C
Monday: Shower or two. Min 25C Max 34C
Tuesday: Shower or two. Min 25C Max 34C
Wednesday: Shower or two. Min 26C Max 34C
Hobart
Sunday: Late shower or two. Min. 6C Max. 23C
Monday: Shower or two. Min 8C Max 15C
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Min. 6C Max. 18C
Wednesday: Possible shower. Min 9C Max 20C