Warming trends could impact farmers, according to Queensland climate scientist
Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses Springfield's warming April climate. Plus, how will rising temperatures affect local food production?
Data from the Bureau of Meteorology suggests temperatures in Springfield are warming.
Back in 1970, residents saw around eight April days reaching at least 28 degrees.
Now, around half of the month hits 28 degrees - an entire week more than 50 years ago.
Voices from your community
Springfield Lakes local Haylea Smith was concerned about the region's changing climate.
"Summer temperatures are now soaring in November and dragging on much later into the year," she said.
"Growing up, I always remember my mother's birthday in April being extremely cold, but the last few years have been nowhere near as chilly.
"It's also drier than I have seen it in years.
"With family in the farming industry, I've seen first hand how the drought has impacted produce and animal livestock."
Community voices like Haylea'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
As Haylea noticed, Queensland's changing climate is impacting 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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