Outlook points to above average temperatures in the coming months


The weather bureau is warning local residents could be facing a hotter than average summer.

Cairns has just recorded its warmest September since 2009, with a monthly average of 29.1C last month compared to the long-term September average of 28.1C.

The Bureau of Meteorology told TropicNow more of the same hot weather is expected in coming months with the climate outlook for October to December pointing to an above average season. The bureau also predicts a 50% chance that TNQ will experience above average rainfall.

The weather bureau yesterday released a special climate statement detailing the extreme heat experienced across eastern Australia for September, with climatologist Agata Imielska saying it was the hottest month recorded nationally.



 

Climatologist Agata Imielska told TropicNow without major rainfall the mercury would remain high.

“We are heading into the warmer part of the year and it is expected that there will be an increase risk of heat and weather extremes throughout summer," she said.

“It is quite dry and warm already and this is a risk factor for further extreme weather events.”

Australia recorded its hottest September day since 1911 with the national average hitting 33.47C on 22 September, which is 6C warmer than the monthly average and breaking the previous record of 33.39C set in 1998.

Birdsville recorded Queensland’s highest September maximum on record at 42.8C and New South Wales also set a new high of 41.4C at Wanaaring.

“We issue special climate statements when we have a significant event that breaks records,” Ms Imielska said.

“There isn’t one thing that breaks temperature records, there were favourable conditions and weather patterns in place and developing across the country in September that contributed to the heat.

“And we can expect to experience more extreme temperatures and heatwaves.”