Winter has ended in Australia with numerous weather records shattered nationwide, setting the stage for an unprecedented August. On the last day of August, temperatures soared, with predictions of record-breaking heat.
In southern Australia, wild winds swept through, while central and southern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales enjoyed an unseasonably warm spell.
Brisbane experienced a string of days above 30°C, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting highs of 34°C for Saturday and Sunday. Although Brisbane recorded 32.9°C on Saturday, Monday’s maximum was expected to reach 33°C, before a cooler change later in the week.
Senior meteorologist Sarah Scully highlighted that many areas may have seen their warmest August day since 2009.
Unseasonably warm temperatures and strong winds wreak havoc, setting new records nationwide.“Several locations may set new August records today,” she noted, adding that the warm temperatures were expected to persist for a few more days before a southerly change brings relief.
In New South Wales, towns like Ballina, Grafton, and Lismore faced weekend highs surpassing 30°C.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings for damaging winds in Victoria and Tasmania, where gusts exceeded 130 km/h in multiple locations.
On Monday, Australia recorded its highest winter temperature ever—41.6°C at Yampi Sound, Western Australia. Sydney hit 30°C in winter for the third time since 1858, with Sydney Airport breaking its winter record at 31.6°C.
The extraordinary warmth has also impacted Australia’s ski season, with Victoria’s Mt Buller resort closing a month early due to declining snow cover.
As the country transitions into spring, Australia braces for what may be its warmest August on record, capping off a winter marked by both extreme heat and unprecedented weather patterns.