Northern suburbs can expect more warm January nights, according to BOM data

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses north Brisbane's rising night time temperatures. What could this mean for your next power bill?

North Brisbane experiences four more January nights of at least 20 degrees than it did 50 years ago. North Lakes, 28 January 2021, Source: Monash University.

North Brisbane can expect a shower or two over the weekend, but the UV rating will be extremely high despite the clouds.

North Brisbane experiences four more January nights of at least 20 degrees compared to 50 years ago.

In fact, every January night was 20 degrees or warmer in 2019.

Voices from your community

In her 66 years living in Albany Creek, resident Jo Le Pla has noticed changes in the local climate.

"We've always had heat wave periods but they happen more frequently now and last longer, and our 'summer' season starts earlier and lasts much longer than it did 50 years ago," she said.

"Our nights stay hotter for a longer time as well.

"Afternoon storms of varying intensity were far more frequent in summer when I was growing up, now they happen less often but they seem to be more destructive.

"Parks and reserves are now much drier and less lush ... the wildlife that used to teem in the creeks is almost non-existent.

"Local parks are usually deserted after 9am unless they are lucky enough to have plenty of shade trees."

Community voices like Jo's tell us how residents and business owners in Brisbane 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.

Did you know?

On warm nights many of us will switch on our fans and air conditioners to keep cool.

According to Canstar, a reverse cycle air conditioner typically costs 60 cents an hour to run.

This means using your air conditioner four hours a day through the summer months can increase your power bill by $200 or more.

Both ceiling and portable fans cost between two cents and five cents an hour to run.

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

This column is part of a collaboration between Monash University and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.

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