Long-term data records show the Shire's May temperatures continue to rise

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick explains how the Shire's May climate is changing. Plus, how could rising temperatures impact beer prices?

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology suggests the Shire's temperatures are rising.

A typical May day is around 21 degrees - one degree warmer than 50 years ago.

This may not sound like much, but small changes in the climate can affect this season's crops, including barley.

Fast fact

Australia's warming climate is bad news for beer drinkers.

Barley - a key ingredient in beer - may be impacted as extreme weather events become more common.

According to Weatherzone, this could see global beer prices double.

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Check out the last article in this series.

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.