Warming trends could impact farmers, according to Queensland climate scientist

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses Moreton Bay's warming April climate. Plus, how will rising temperatures affect local food production?

Compared to 1970, Moreton Bay records 11 more April days reaching 25 degrees. Cape Moreton, 15 April 2021, Source: Monash University.

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology suggests temperatures in Moreton Bay are warming.

Back in 1970, residents saw around seven April days reaching at least 25 degrees.

Now, it's more like 18 such days - 11 more than 50 years ago.

Voices from your community

Margate resident Simon Levy noticed similar changes in his 12 years in the region.

"The summers seem to be much longer and extend into April," he said.

"The water temperature also seems to be increasing and staying warmer than in the past.

"I have been swimming well into May.

"But the area is dryer, the grassland is brown."

Community voices like Simon'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

Rising temperatures could impact Queensland's food production.

The state is expected to experience harsher and more frequent extreme weather events due to warming temperatures.

Heatwaves, drought, cyclones and floods affect farmers by damaging crops, delaying harvests and reducing livestock numbers.

According to the Climate Council, these disruptions can lead to food shortages, raise prices and limit the variability of produce in our supermarkets.

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Check out our previous 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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