Spring and summer are expected to bring interesting weather patterns to Australia and New Zealand, with forecasters making predictions for the upcoming seasons.
Weather forecasters are anticipating a diverse range of weather conditions in the Southern Hemisphere as a hot summer approaches, leading to a potentially volatile season depending on different perspectives.
A spokesperson from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) mentioned that September is likely to see above-average maximum temperatures in a significant portion of Australia.
“For the latter part of September, there is a 60 to greater than 80 percent chance of above-average maximum temperatures for most of eastern Australia and the northern regions,” they told The Epoch Times.
“In the western areas, maximum temperatures are expected to remain within the typical seasonal range.”
Similar predictions were made for the months of October to December.
Areas such as Northern Western Australia, southern Northern Territory, northern Queensland, and Tasmania have the highest probability of experiencing unusually high maximum temperatures during this period, similar to the warmest 20 percent of October-December periods from 1981-2018.
The BoM mentioned the challenge of predicting gale-force winds as wind forecasts are only available for seven days, but there are indications that gales could be on the horizon for the Southern Hemisphere.
“Long-range forecasts of mean sea level pressure (MLSP) can provide insights into regions more likely to experience gales,” the spokesperson explained.
“Bureau long-range forecasts for the latter part of September and for October suggest that below-average MSLP is expected for southern Australia, increasing the likelihood of gales in that area.”
A severe weather forecast, including bushfire and cyclone risks, will be issued in October.
Increasing Extremes
A representative from New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf Weather stated that recent heatwaves and extreme winds in Australia could be a precursor to what lies ahead.
“In simple terms, countries in the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes like New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa can expect windier and stormier conditions than usual, along with hotter and colder temperature extremes from September to October,” he commented.
According to Hauraki Gulf Weather, the unusual warmth experienced in July across the Southern Hemisphere, combined with recent cold temperatures in New Zealand, has set the stage for increased wind activity.
Current conditions are reminiscent of weather patterns observed in September 2002, which could provide valuable insights for predictions, particularly regarding a “vigorous belt of westerly winds” expected to affect Australia and New Zealand in September.
While the BoM remains cautious in its outlook, they acknowledge that during very strong spring warming events, stratospheric polar vortex conditions—similar to those studied by Hauraki Gulf Weather—could influence surface weather patterns.
Forecasters assure that they will closely monitor weather patterns as the seasons progress.
