Winter is very nearly upon us and those grey nomads who have decided not to venture north this year will be delighted to hear it’s expected to be a warmer one than normal.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued its long-range forecast and it predicts warmer than average temperatures across Australia this winter, with a high chance of both days and nights being in the highest 20% of historical temperatures.
This follows an autumn that was warmer than usual for most parts of Australia and brought very dry conditions to the far south of the country and south-west Western Australia.
The long-range forecast shows above average rainfall is likely for some southern central and western parts of Australia, and for Queensland’s North Tropical Coast.
The chance of above median maximum temperature for the week beginning June 4. PIC: BOM
However, rainfall for parts of eastern Australia is likely to be below average in June, while in July and August, rainfall for parts of the interior is likely to be above average.
The Bureau warned its long-range forecasts are probabilistic in nature and carry a degree of uncertainty. They are updated regularly to reflect the latest forecast.
The weather data shows this Autumn has been warmer than usual for much of Australia, with the mean temperature around 0.5 °C above the 1961–1990 average.
Each state and territory recorded above average mean temperatures, besides the Northern Territory which was around 0.4 °C cooler than usual.
Autumn has been wetter than usual for some parts of Australia, with overall rainfall 26% above the 1961–1990 average.
In contrast, Autumn rainfall was very much below average for south-west Western Australia and parts of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
The Bureau has also moved to a La Niña Watch. It says that, while conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean are currently neutral, there are some signs that a La Niña may form in the Pacific Ocean later in 2024. It stresses, however, that there is a similar likelihood that the tropical Pacific Ocean will remain neutral.
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We decided to go south in February traveling around country victoria, the great ocean road to Victor Harbour then onto Murray Bridge then we followed tge Murray River to Yarrawonga. We feel we’ve been blessed with fantastic weather day temperatures (18-25) during most of the trip. The last month has been surprisingly warm.
I have no idea about what is happening with the weather. All I know is it COLD at night and mildly warm during the day.
There was a supposedly huge rain band coming thorough SA yesterday and today, 30/31 May. At best 4 mm rain where I live.
Any way my house heater runes from 1600 – 0100 each night to warm the house. Starts up again ay 0800 – 1100.
So much for predictions.
Anyway, I can’t go anywhere as I am dealing with a trickle of tradies to do work on the house. Promise to come on a day the reschedule.
Our caravan parks up here near Yeppoon are close to full, happens every year. Though this this year we have more rainy days than usual though temperatures have been reasonable (16-26).
I think Climate Change will have a bit of an impact on our travels more and more so in the coming years.
Three years ago after towing 21.5ft caravan around for 10 years, we thought why are we doing this.
That caravan had everything from a full on gas stove and oven, washing machine etc etc.
We always cooked outside and probably used the the washing machine once or twice. Most of the time we were out exploring or sitting under the awning. At night we were in bed either asleep or watching a home made Sat TV set up
So we did the great rethink, what do we really need. We need a bed, we need a shower and toilet and somewhere to cook outside.
So, now we have a very small caravan with what need with some modification, 5kWhr LFP batteries, replaced any thing gas, so the outside gas stove is a induction duel hot plate and we have a airfryer for a oven. Hot water heats up whilst travelling from solar panels on the roof and the biggest development is that it is being towed by by an electric vehicle.
What’s your electric tow vehicle please?
Whether the weather be fine.
Whether the weather be not.
Whether the weather be cold.
Whether the weather be hot.
We’ll whether the weather.
Whatever the weather.
Whether we like it or not!
More climate change beat up