Australia experienced a historic weather event on Monday, with the highest winter temperature ever recorded in the country. The thermometer hit an astonishing 41.6°C in Yampi Sound, a remote area in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This extreme temperature far exceeds the typical winter maximum of 18°C for the region, indicating an unusual and intense heatwave gripping the nation
The previous record of 41.2°C, set on August 23, 2020, at West Roebuck, also in Western Australia, was surpassed by Monday's extreme heat. The data, published by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, is pending official confirmation on Tuesday but has already caused widespread concern among meteorologists and climate experts.
Meteorologists have described the current conditions as an "unprecedented burst" of warm weather, with high temperatures recorded across the country. Other notable highs include 39.4°C in Oodnadatta, 36°C in Yulara, and over 40°C in Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, and Wyndham.
The stark contrast between the usual winter temperatures and the current heatwave has experts worried. Typically, Australia sees winter highs of around 18°C, but recent days have brought temperatures 15°C above average in central and eastern parts of the country.
The Bureau of Meteorology highlighted that many weather stations have approached or even exceeded previous temperature records over the past weekend. Experts have suggested that winter is effectively over, with spring weather expected to settle in soon, even if temperatures might not continue breaking records.
Related: Europe Swelters Under Extreme Heat: Temperatures Push 40 Degrees Celsius, Raising Health Concerns
This extraordinary weather event raises concerns about the broader implications of climate change in Australia and its impact on the environment and society.
Source: The Guardian
Comments