Australia has experienced its hottest August on record, with national temperatures soaring 3°C above the long-term average.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the average temperature across the country in August was 3.03°C higher than usual, surpassing the previous record of 2.56°C set in 2009.
This record-breaking heat has marked the 2024 winter as the second hottest on record, with temperatures 1.48°C above average, just behind the winter of 2023, which holds the top spot at 1.54°C above average.
The extreme heatwave experienced in the second half of August has prompted climate scientists to express concern, describing the situation as “gobsmacking.”
High-pressure systems over the continent have contributed to clear skies and rising temperatures, but experts believe that global heating is the primary driver of the unprecedented heat.
NSW faces elevated fire danger as unprecedented winter heat shatters long-standing temperature records.Dr. Simon Grainger, a senior climatologist at the Bureau, highlighted that significant heat events like this can shatter records by substantial margins.
He noted that unusually high ocean temperatures around Australia in July laid the groundwork for the warmer conditions observed in August.
Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland also recorded their highest winter temperatures in history, with some areas experiencing temperatures more than 10°C above average.
On August 26, the country recorded its highest winter temperature ever, a scorching 41.6°C at Yampi Sound in the remote Kimberley region.
As a result of the extreme heat, total fire bans were issued on Monday for greater Sydney, the Illawarra, and Shoalhaven regions. The NSW Rural Fire Service reported high fire danger for Sydney and extreme danger for the Illawarra, with winds driving the increased risk.
While fire risks are expected to moderate later in the week, authorities urge residents to prepare their properties and fire plans for the coming months.