Experts are predicting warmer-than-usual days and more frosty nights ahead, as the MIA drags itself out of a winter featuring record low temperatures and rainfall.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has released its official spring outlook indicating a mix of climate conditions for Australia’s season ahead.
The Bureau’s Climate Prediction Manager, Dr Andrew Watkins, said that while spring days and nights are expected to be warmer than average for the north and southeast of the country, clear nights mean the risk of frost will continue—particularly in areas with drier soils.
“The rainfall outlook for September to November indicates below-average rainfall is likely for south western parts of Western Australia, however there is the possibility of above-average rainfall in areas near southeast Queensland and far east Gippsland,” Dr Watkins said.
“Warm waters in the central Indian Ocean may result in higher pressures south of Australia, resulting in more easterly winds, keeping the west drier than average.
The BOM says a very warm and dry winter saw daytime temperatures at record-high levels across much of the country this winter.
Warm and dry conditions have meant fire potential in parts of eastern Australia, while MIA winter nights have been notably cooler than average compared to the rest of the country.
Conditions have laid the foundations for a hectic bushfire season, having some outbreaks already occurring in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.
Scott Williams, Senior Forecaster at the Bureau said a brief taste of spring this week will be replaced by blustery conditions across much of southeastern Australia from the weekend.
“After a chilly morning with inland frosts, the southeast of the country can expect a settled first day of spring with plenty of sunshine and light winds. Temperatures will struggle though with south eastern capitals only reaching 16-18 °C.”
“The first few days of spring will bring changeable weather across the south as a cold front moves across South Australia Saturday then Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales on Sunday,” he said.
The Bureau’s rainfall and temperature climate outlooks show the likelihood, as a percentage, of experiencing wetter or drier and warmer or cooler than average weather for the upcoming three months.
