Bureau of Meteorology data shows autumn temperatures in Moreton Bay are higher than 50 years ago

Dr Christa Pudmenzky explains how autumn is changing in Moreton Bay. Plus, how do rising temperatures impact Brisbane's koalas?

A typical autumn day in Moreton Bay is one degree warmer than it was 50 years ago. Cape Moreton, 1 April 2021, Source: Monash University.

As we move through autumn, Moreton Bay residents can expect warmer daytime temperatures.

A typical April day is around 25 degrees - one degree warmer than it was 50 years ago.

This may not sound like much, but small changes in the climate can affect the health of our native wildlife.

Voices from your community

Mango Hill resident Chalini was concerned about the shifts in temperature.

"It has become warmer," she said.

"The heat now seems to extend beyond the summer months.

"Summer starts around November and spans until April."

Community voices like Chalini's tell us how residents and business owners in southeast Queensland 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

Koalas are picky when it comes to their diet - only eating from specific types of eucalyptus trees.

Slight increases in temperature can impact these eucalypts' ability to produce healthy gum leaves, leaving koalas without the water and nutrients they need to survive.

As a result, our furry friends may begin to look for food in new areas, making them vulnerable to predators and at risk when crossing roads.

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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