Swimmers at Coogee beach in Sydney's east took a dip on Monday as temperatures topped 20°C, more than a fortnight into winter. The city recorded its 10th consecutive June day above 20°C on Tuesday, breaking a record that had stood since 1919.
Record-Breaking Warmth
On Tuesday, the thermometer at Observatory Hill reached 20.1°C by 11.30am, exceeding the usual June maximum of about 18°C. Once verified by the Bureau of Meteorology, this confirms the highest number of consecutive June days above 20°C for Sydney.
Bureau spokesperson Casey McCarthy said, "It's not unusual to get a day or two above 20°C in June in Sydney, but what's unusual is to have them for this prolonged period." If forecasts hold, Sydney could finish with 14 consecutive such days.
Historical Context
Temperature records at Observatory Hill date back to 1859, with an average June maximum of 17°C. Forecasts predict 22°C on Wednesday, 23°C on Thursday and Friday, and possibly 20°C over the weekend.
McCarthy attributed the heat to a high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea pulling warmer air from the north and deflecting cool fronts. Warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures off the NSW coast also contributed moist air typical of autumn.
Climate Change Concerns
Prof Andy Pitman from the University of Sydney said, "Beating a longstanding record, not by a small amount, suggests something is changing. And that is CO2. There is a global warming factor here." He warned of severe long-term ecological consequences, including increased bushfire susceptibility.
Widespread Unusual Heat
The heat extended beyond Sydney, with long warm spells in Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart. McCarthy noted, "This pattern is pretty consistent across most of southeast Australia. Symbolic of that are the bare ski fields at the moment."
Canberra is expected to see 11 consecutive days above 15°C (average 12°C), Melbourne eight days above 17°C (average 14°C), Adelaide eight days above 17°C, and Hobart nine days above 15°C (average 12°C).
Winter Outlook
The bureau's long-range forecast warns of warmer-than-average temperatures and drier conditions across most of Australia, particularly in the southeast. Last week, the bureau noted developing signs of an El Niño system, which typically brings drier, hotter conditions to eastern and southern Australia in winter and spring.
