Australia, typically known for its chilly winter months from June to August, has been experiencing an extraordinary and unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in several regions.
Over the past week, large swathes of the country have felt more like summer, with multiple long-standing temperature records being shattered.
Dr. Linden Ashcroft, a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne, described the situation as “gobsmacking” and unprecedented.
The national record for the hottest August day was broken on Monday in Yampi Sound, located in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, where temperatures reached a scorching 41.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 41.2°C set in 2020. Sydney also experienced its hottest August day since 1995, with temperatures surpassing 30°C.
Unprecedented winter heatwave disrupts Australia, setting records and early closures for ski resorts.The heatwave has been widespread, affecting Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia, all of which broke state-high temperature records.
Queensland narrowly missed breaking its record by just 0.1°C. In South Australia, the remote town of Oodnadatta recorded a staggering 39.4°C, eclipsing the previous state record of 36.5°C, which had stood since 1946.
The Bureau of Meteorology revealed that 48% of Australia experienced maximum temperatures within the hottest 1% on record for August. Climatology specialist Nadine D’Argent noted that the frequency of temperatures exceeding 40°C during August is highly unusual, with 16 instances recorded so far.
The intense heat has had a noticeable impact on the environment, with flora and fauna reacting to the early arrival of spring. Some ski resorts, including the popular Mt Buller in Victoria, have been forced to close early due to a significant reduction in snow depth.
Climate experts, including Prof. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick from the Australian National University, have linked the heatwave to global heating. High-pressure systems have been identified as a driving factor, with the extreme temperatures spreading across the country like “a Christmas tree.”
The 2024 winter is now on track to be one of the top three warmest on record in Australia, raising further concerns about the ongoing impact of climate change.