Australia Records Second-Hottest Summer, Scientists Say Climate Change Is to Blame

Australia just experienced its second-hottest summer on record, with temperatures soaring 1.89°C above the long-term average, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

This follows a trend of extreme weather, with the country also recording its second-hottest winter and hottest spring in recent history. January was the second-hottest on record, while December ranked third. The only summer hotter than this one was in 2018-19 when temperatures rose 2.11°C above average.

Clear Link to Climate Change

Dr. Linden Ashcroft, a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne, emphasized that this extreme heat was directly linked to climate change.

“You simply couldn’t have this kind of summer without climate change,” she said. “It’s only going to get worse if we don’t cut fossil fuel use.”

Despite conditions resembling La Niña—which usually brings cooler temperatures—Australia still experienced extreme heat across all regions.

Widespread Heat Across the Country

Data from the BoM shows that every region in Australia experienced record-breaking temperatures:

• Western Australia had its hottest summer ever, including the highest night-time temperatures.
• All mainland states recorded average summer temperatures within the top 10 highest on record.
• Overall, the season ranked second for daytime heat and fourth for night-time warmth.

Rainfall and Future Predictions

Summer rainfall was slightly below average, with South Australia and the Northern Territory experiencing particularly dry conditions.

The BoM’s long-range forecast for autumn predicts mostly typical rainfall across Australia. However, northern, eastern, and central Queensland may see drier conditions, while the northwest could receive more rain.

The outlook also warns that both daytime and night-time temperatures are expected to be unusually high across the entire country.

“We Can Feel Climate Change”

Dr. Ashcroft urged Australians to take climate change seriously, as its impacts are becoming impossible to ignore.

“We don’t need more proof—we can feel it. It affects our weather, our plants, and even our daily decisions. This heat impacts people, but we have the tools to stop it.”