Overnight temperatures are increasing across Brisbane, according to weather bureau data

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses how Brisbane's overnight climate is changing. Plus, how are night time temperatures affected by the ocean?

Four key weather stations across Brisbane have recorded an increase of around one degree in February's average night temperature. Southwest Brisbane, 25 February 2021, Source: Monash University.

More wet weather is expected this weekend - temperatures will sit around 30 degrees, with showers and light winds forecast across Saturday and Sunday.

Across Brisbane, nights are warming up.

In the early 1970s, a typical February night in Springfield was around 19 degrees.

These days, it's more like 20 degrees.

A one degree increase may sound small, but minor shifts in the climate can result in more heatwaves, extreme weather events and increased fire danger.

Did you know?

The Pacific Ocean plays an important role in regulating the temperature of Brisbane's coastline.

Oceans are cooler than land because they are slower to absorb heat from the sun.

This temperature difference between ocean and land produces land-sea breezes.

During summer, a land-sea breeze will cool coastal regions, but inland regions may find the heat of the day lingers overnight.

As a result, coastal areas, like Redlands, don't experience the night time temperature extremes that inland locations, like Ipswich, do.

Voices from your community

Norman Park resident of 35 years Tarla Geary, noticed similar warming trends.

"I have definitely noticed hotter days and nights," she said.

"The heat seems to be starting later in the year but I've definitely noticed it lasting longer, right up until mid-May.

"There is also less rain to cool things down.

"I've noticed trees that would normally cope with heat and dry conditions are dying."

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

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.

Follow the Hub on Twitter to join the conversation.