Australia Already Past Heatwave Frequency Predicted For 2030; # Of Record Highs Up 100%+ From 1950 [View all]

[hatrack]

The government has been urged to better articulate the dangers of climate change after a report that shows the frequency of heat waves in parts of Australia has already surpassed levels previously predicted for 2030.

The Climate Council report highlights that Adelaide, Melbourne, and Canberra all experienced a higher average number of hot days between 2000 and 2009 than was expected to occur by 2030.

Research by the CSIRO forecast that Melbourne would experience an average of 12 days over 35°C (95°F) each year from 2030, but the average over the past decade was 12.6 days.

Adelaide experienced an average of 25.1 days a year over 35°C in this time, while Canberra surpassed this mark an average of 9.4 days. The annual number of record hot days across Australia has more than doubled since 1950, according to the Climate Council report, with the south-east of the country at particular risk from more frequent heat waves, drought and bushfires.

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http://www.climatecentral.org/news/heatwave-frequency-surpasses-levels-predicted-for-2030-17084