What were the highest temperatures recorded in Australia recently?

Melbourne suburbs exceeded 45C, and remote communities like Hopetoun and Walpeup reached 48.9C, with Renmark in South Australia at 49.6C.

How is climate change affecting Australian heatwaves?

Analysis indicates that the recent heatwave was five times more likely to occur due to human-caused climate change, making the heat approximately 1.6C hotter.

What actions are being called for in response to extreme heat in Australia?

There are urgent calls for climate adaptation to be central to national decision-making, along with developing a meaningful national adaptation plan and addressing fossil fuel exports.

Home / Environment / Australia Swelters: Climate Crisis Fuels Extreme Heat

Australia Swelters: Climate Crisis Fuels Extreme Heat

27 Jan

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Summary

Melbourne suburbs exceeded 45C during a recent heatwave.
Adelaide endured its hottest night with a minimum of 34C.
Climate change makes heatwaves five times more likely now.

Australia Swelters: Climate Crisis Fuels Extreme Heat

Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne, recently recorded one of its hottest days since 1910, with several suburbs exceeding 45C. Adelaide, the fifth-largest city, also reached 45C, followed by its hottest night on record with a minimum temperature of 34C. These extreme temperatures are occurring in the context of a larger pattern of global heating.

While specific attribution studies are pending, analysis indicates that the recent heatwave across Australia was five times more likely due to human-caused climate change. The heat was approximately 1.6C hotter because of the climate crisis, significantly intensifying conditions and contributing to widespread bushfires that have devastated large areas and destroyed numerous buildings.

The severity of recent heatwaves prompts urgent calls for climate adaptation to be central to national decision-making. While preparedness for extreme weather events has improved since 2009's Black Saturday disaster, further action is needed. This includes developing a meaningful national adaptation plan and addressing the nation's substantial fossil fuel exports, which contradict climate goals.