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NSW & Vic Ski Resorts Shatter July Heat Records
20 Jul
Summary
- Alpine ski resorts in NSW and Victoria experienced record-breaking July heat.
- Temperatures soared up to 12C above average, shattering daily records.
- Warm and dry conditions are impacting the ski season, relying on snowmaking.
Alpine ski resorts across New South Wales and Victoria have recently experienced record-shattering heat, significantly impacting the start of the ski season.
Several locations, including Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, recorded their hottest July days and nights, with temperatures reaching up to 12C above average. Thredbo also set a new hottest July day. These extreme temperatures, driven by a slow-moving high-pressure system and an El Niño, have resulted in dry conditions and minimal natural snow.
Resorts are heavily dependent on snow-making technology to maintain skiable conditions. Climate scientists warn that global heating poses significant challenges for Australia's ski industry, with current events highlighting future issues. Warmer temperatures are expected to continue, with a possibility of snow flurries before another rise in temperature early next week.
Previous temperature records for July, some dating back over 30 years, were broken multiple times. For instance, Mount Hotham's previous record of 8.7C from 1994 was surpassed by a high of 12C on Sunday. Falls Creek saw its July record of 9.8C (1992) broken by 13C on Sunday. Similar record-breaking temperatures were recorded in Thredbo, Cabramurra, and Mount William. Record warm nights were also observed in Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw, and Mount William.
