Rising summer temperatures could lead to an increase in grumpiness and reduced productivity

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick explains how summer temperatures are rising in the Shire and how the heat might impact your Christmas.

Christmas is almost upon us as another year flies by.

It marks a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate and relax.

However, a warming climate will bring uncomfortably hot temperatures that may impact future festivities.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia's summer heat is intensifying.

The average December nighttime temperature in the Shire is 18.9C, 1.4C warmer than it was in the early 1970s.

Temperature impact on Christmas:

Aussies are no stranger to a warm Christmas, but research shows December is only going to get hotter.

It's not just the cream on top of your beloved pavlova that's impacted, it could also ramp up holiday stress.

From wrapping presents and welcoming the in-laws, to cooking up a six-course meal, many of us feel 'hot and bothered' in the lead up to Christmas.

Throw some high temperatures in the mix, and tempers start to rise.

Not only that, intense heat can cause dehydration and disturb sleep, which makes some people grumpier and more irritable than usual.

Heat stress doesn't just affect the holiday season.

Recent research found an increase in temperature of just 1C could lead to a 2 per cent decrease in annual productivity.

This is because repeated exposure to heat can result in illness and fatigue, lowering productivity and increasing absenteeism.

So, the predicted rise in extreme heat, combined with the general stress of Christmas, means we may need to take a 'chill pill' in summers to come if we want to enjoy the festive season.

What is your community noticing?

Another lap completed around the sun, this wraps up the final Changing Climates instalment for 2021.

Have a very happy holidays, I bid you adieu - but make sure you stay tuned for 2022.

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.