Aussies to brace for soaring temperatures, frequent storm outbreaks and above average rain

Warmer than average days and nights are on the way for much of Australia, along with storm outbreaks and rain.

Aussies have been warned to brace for one of the hottest summers on record, which threatens to also bring storm outbreaks and above average rain.

There is an 80 per cent chance of above average maximum temperatures across the country according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s chance of above median maximum temperature report for November to January has predicted.

There is an 80 per cent chance of above average maximum temperatures across the country according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s chance of above median maximum temperature report for November to January has predicted. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Warmer than average days and nights are likely on the way between November and January, while above average rainfall is also on the cards for much of the country’s south and east, according to BOM’s long-range forecast.

Unusually high minimum temperatures are also “very likely” across the north and east of the country.

The last three non La Nina Australian summers recorded mean temperatures more than 1.6C above the long-term average, making them the hottest on record.

The forecast is largely due to ongoing high ocean temperatures surrounding Australia.

The warm seas also threaten to boost atmospheric moisture levels, increasing the odds to favour frequent storm outbreaks and above average rain.

There’s an 80 per cent chance of above average maximum temperatures right across the country for November to January. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said the forecast of above average temperatures isn’t “super uncommon” anymore.

“The climate warm in recent decades, it’s very common that we do see temperatures shake out,” Mr Hines said.

“Pretty much the entirety of the last decade we’ve had summers that sit somewhere above average.”

Australians in the country’s north and east can brace for humid conditions over the coming months.

“Perhaps those cooler stints of weather compared to summers gone by might be a bit briefer or more mild,” Mr Hines said.

He added more frequent hot days, or hotter days in general are on the cards throughout spring, however the summer forecast is set to be released late next month.

It comes as states have been warned to remain “vigilant” this spring following the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council’s annual conference, with parts of Victoria bracing for an increased risk of fire.

States have been warned to remain ‘vigilant’ amid increased risk of fire through spring. Picture: Supplied by DFES via Incident Photographer Morten Boe via NCA NewsWire

Areas of Victoria’s far west and southwest are most at risk as warm temperatures continue into spring, including Wimmera and the Grampians.

“Dry vegetation in these areas will be highly flammable which will make it easier for fires to start and spread,” Mr Nugent said.

“Other areas with drier forests, woodlands and grasslands could also see an earlier start to the bushfire season of Victoria.”

South Australia could also experience increased bushfire risk following a dry winter, with areas of most concern including the lower southeast and areas along the Victoria border.

The Northern Territory has been issued a similar warning, in particular around the Alice Springs, Barkly and Savannah regions.

Similar to Queensland, the NT is already experiencing a fire danger period.

Originally published as Aussies to brace for soaring temperatures, frequent storm outbreaks and above average rain