Discover What Winter Has in Store for Sydney and NSW: Your Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Highlights

Winter is here, and it brings changes across Australia. This year, winter follows a tough autumn marked by a cyclone in Brisbane and flooding in New South Wales. Meanwhile, many inland areas are grappling with a historic drought. It’s uncertain when relief might come, and experts like Minney note the situation is complex.

Adding to these challenges, a marine heatwave is affecting fish and coral. Reports show it has already killed coral in Queensland and led to fish deaths in Tasmania’s salmon farms. In South Australia, a harmful algal bloom, caused by warm waters and calm weather, has polluted thousands of square kilometers of ocean, killing numerous aquatic species. According to experts, this bloom was exacerbated by unusually high sea temperatures, which are about 2.5 degrees above normal.

Experts warn that climate change plays a significant role in these phenomena. King highlighted that the link between climate change and heatwaves in both oceans and on land is clear, though pinpointing rainfall events tied to global warming is trickier. Nevertheless, a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, affecting rain patterns.

The latest Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecast for winter reveals an 80% chance of above-average temperatures across most of the country. There is also a 60-80% chance of increased rainfall in mainland Australia. This uptick is partly linked to a shift expected in the Indian Ocean Dipole’s phase by winter’s end.

Regions expecting persistent heat and rain are likely to face increased risks of bushfires, especially in places like Victoria and South Australia. Additionally, areas that experience both heat and moisture may contend with mould growth. Goran Surbevski from Alliance Climate Control suggests using air conditioning in “dry mode” to tackle dampness effectively.

The snow tourism industry finds itself in a precarious situation. Businesses in the Australian Alps fear another disappointing snow season. Olivier Kapetanakos, a local business owner, noted, “It’s like living through a climate change battle.” He observed that the once robust snow season has shrunk significantly, affecting income from winter tourism. He warned it might shrink even further in the coming years.

Overall, the interplay between climate change and seasonal variations poses undeniable challenges for both the environment and affected industries. As we move through winter, many will be monitoring these changes closely.

For more information on the impacts of climate change, you can check the latest reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

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