More hot weather for Australia: What you need to know about what’s ahead in spring
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-term spring forecast, conditions are likely to be warmer than average across all states and territories over the next three months.
Most of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are expected to see above normal rainfall, while parts of South Australia and Tasmania can expect slightly above normal rainfall.
Average or lower rainfall figures are expected in Western Australia, with ‘normal’ rainfall expected in the Northern Territory.
The northern wet season starts in October, but the first real rains are expected to fall earlier than normal in Queensland and part of the Top End, but later in most of Western Australia.
Preliminary data from the government agency showed the winter was warmer than normal, with temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above the 1961-1990 winter average.
Despite the typically cool winter temperatures on the East Coast, winters are warmer than normal across the country.
According to the agency, August is on track to be Australia’s hottest August on record.
Australians across the country can expect a warmer than average spring, but parts of the country are likely to see more rain (pictured: sunbathers in Bondi on Friday)
Many rushed outside to enjoy the winter sun on Friday as temperatures rose to 30 degrees Celsius
Spring forecast overview by state:
NSW and ACT
Warmer than normal, above average rainfall in most areas, unusually high rainfall in northern New South Wales and some central areas.
Victoria
Warmer than normal, normal rainfall in most areas, slightly increased chance of above average rainfall in parts of the southwest.
Queensland
Unusually warm days and nights in most places, above average rainfall in most places, and the first significant rainfall of the rainy season likely earlier than normal.
Western Australia
Most areas will experience warmer than normal temperatures, except in the south where temperatures will be average. In the north, days and nights will be unusually warm. Most areas will experience heavy rainfall. The first significant rainfall of the rainy season will likely occur later than normal.
South Australia
Warmer than normal with slightly above average rainfall in southern agricultural areas and parts of the north.
Tasmania
Unusually warm days and nights, above average rainfall in the east.
Northern Territory
Unusually warm days and nights, typical rainfall, first real rain showers of the rainy season probably earlier than normal.