Long term climate is heating up in Dubbo with more hot temperatures forecast this weekend

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick discusses Dubbo's summer days reaching 40 degrees. Plus, resident Amy Fields shares how drought and extreme summer heat have affected the local community.

Dubbo now experiences around seven more summer days reaching at least 40 degrees Celsius compared to the 1970s. Dubbo, 21 January 2021, Source: Monash University.

There will be no relief from the summer heat this weekend, with both days forecast to hit the high 30s, reaching a top of 39 degrees on Sunday.

Dubbo's summer temperatures have climbed over the last 50 years.

There are now around seven more days reaching at least 40 degrees during summer.

Some years are warmer or cooler than others, but the white arrow in the chart above indicates that Dubbo's summer temperatures are increasing over time.

Last summer 20 days reached 40 degrees, a new record for the region.

Did you know?

Methane - a potent greenhouse gas - is about 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

Methane produced by Australian livestock makes up about 10 per cent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions.

A recent CSIRO study has shown that adding a small amount of Asparagopsis seaweed to a cow's diet reduces their methane production by more than 80 per cent.

Two Australian companies, CH4 Global and Sea Forest, are starting commercial trials of this product with major dairy and beef companies to reduce the carbon footprint of livestock.

Voices from your community

In her three decades in the region, Amy Fields has noticed several changes in Dubbo's climate.

"Summer is a standout season and it has become longer, hotter and drier in recent years with temperatures reaching 45 plus degrees," she says.

"It's a hot and dry area which has experienced many droughts, which means little to no rainfall and rapidly deteriorating land.

"Our region relies on weather for income from farming, and with the longest drought in record currently happening, people's livelihoods have had to adjust dramatically, which has brought a lot of stress to families.

"(There has been) a change in food prices, particularly meat, as the drought made it impossible to feed and water stock, so more meat had to be bought into our region rather than locally sourced."

Community voices like Amy's tell us how residents and business owners in Dubbo 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.

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick is a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales.

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

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