Warming trends could impact farmers, according to Queensland climate scientist

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses south Brisbane's changing climate. Plus, how will rising temperatures affect local food production?

Compared to the mid-1980s, south Brisbane records around six more April days reaching 28 degrees. Southeast Brisbane, 15 April 2021, Source: Monash University.

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology suggests temperatures in south Brisbane are warming.

Back in the mid-1980s, residents saw around seven April days reaching at least 28 degrees.

Now, it's more like 13 such days.

Voices from your community

During her 12 years in Paddington, Desirea noticed similar changes in the region's climate.

"Summer seems to last much longer, with hot temperatures extending into autumn," she said.

"It used to start getting cool around early April but last year it was hot until May.

"Even in the 'wet season' Brisbane doesn't seem to get as much rain as it used to.

"We have started growing different plants at our house as the ones we had before couldn't handle the heat."

Community voices like Desirea'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 last 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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