Autumn is here, but summer temperatures are sticking around for longer in Moreton Bay

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses Logan's March climate. Plus, research shows summer temperatures are extending into March.

The hottest March day in Cape Moreton is more than two degrees warmer compared to 50 years ago. Cape Moreton, 4 March 2021, Source: Monash University.

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology shows that Moreton Bay's March climate is warming.

The hottest day in March is typically 30 degrees - almost two degrees warmer than it was 50 years ago.

While two degrees might not sound like much, Moreton Bay's warming patterns are consistent with warming trends recorded across Australia.

Similar changes are occurring across the globe as a result of climate change.

Voices from your community

Mango Hill resident Christie Hay was very concerned about the shifts in temperature.

"It's very clear that local temperatures have significantly increased over time," she said.

"Failing to recognise this simple fact is highly detrimental to our society.

"It's clear that over the years farmers have had to face immense struggle due to multiple reasons.

"However the climate has certainly made a huge impact for them in a negative way."

Community voices like Christie's tell us how residents and business owners in Moreton Bay feel about their local climate. If you would like to contribute your voice to our column, you can fill out our 5-minute survey here.

Fast fact

Research from The Australia Institute, a Canberra-based think tank, found that Brisbane summers are around two weeks longer than they were in the mid-20th century.

This means temperatures that residents typically associate with summer are now occurring well into March.

All capital cities across Australia are experiencing longer summers and shorter winters, compared to a few decades ago.

These warming trends are linked to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels.

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Check out last week's article here.

Dr Christa Pudmenzky is a climate scientist at the University of Southern Queensland.

This column is part of a collaboration between the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.

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