Australia Expects Warmest Winter on Record After Very Hot May
Weather experts say this winter could be one of the hottest ever recorded across southern Australia.
Australia just experienced one of its warmest May months ever recorded. Weather experts at the Bureau of Meteorology measured temperatures up to 3 degrees Celsius above normal across eastern Australia. The unusual heat affected major cities and small towns alike. Now scientists predict this winter could be one of the warmest on record.
Weather computer models show winter temperatures will likely be 1 to 2 degrees warmer than usual. This follows a pattern called El Niño, which brings less cloud cover during the day. El Niño also creates clear, calm nights that can be very cold. However, warm ocean waters near Australia might keep nighttime temperatures higher than expected.
The hot, dry weather will be bad news for ski resorts and snow sports. History shows El Niño years reduce snow depth by almost 50 centimeters compared to normal years. Even though some snowstorms might still happen, overall snow coverage will be much less. Many ski areas are already preparing for a difficult season.
Major Australian cities came very close to breaking temperature records in May. Sydney, Canberra, and Hobart all had their second-warmest May since records began in the 1800s. Sydney's average overnight temperature of 14.5 degrees broke all previous records. The city has been keeping weather records since 1859, making this achievement very significant.
Sydney's overnight lows this month have averaged 14.5C -- 3C above the long-term average and comfortably an all-time record.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. How much warmer were May temperatures compared to the long-term average?
2. Which cities had their second-warmest May on record?
3. How much does El Niño typically reduce peak snow depth compared to normal years?