BOM climate latest: south Brisbane's coldest summer day is not so cool anymore

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses south Brisbane's coldest summer day. Plus, rising temperatures impact Stradbroke Island, explains Seven Hills resident Sophie Mor.

The coldest summer day in south Brisbane is two degrees warmer than it was in the mid-1980s. Southwest Brisbane, 28 January 2021, Source: Monash University.

South Brisbane residents can expect a warm, humid weekend with scattered showers and a top of 30 degrees on Sunday.

Summer temperatures continue to increase over time, even on the coldest day of the season.

Typically, south Brisbane's coldest summer day is around 24 degrees, two degrees warmer than it was in the mid-1980s.

Voices from your community

Seven Hills resident Sophie Mor is a volunteer with Friends of Stradbroke Island, a community group working to protect the island's environment since 1998.

During her volunteering, Sophie noticed the impact of warmer temperatures on the island's native species.

"(There are) fewer lizards around and the environment is struggling with drought," she said.

"The creeks are dry, the bushland is dying from lack of water and our green areas are turning brown."

The heat has also affected Sophie's lifestyle.

"I drive where I used to walk ... these days, (I need to) stay inside during the hottest part of the day."

Community voices like Sophie'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?

Warmer summer temperatures could mean higher power bills as fans and air conditioners are run more often.

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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