Forecasters are predicting a long hot summer for all Australian fire services. Already ravaged by bushfires and drought, Australia is about to enter its hottest season amid forecasts that bring more concern. The Bureau of Meteorology, released its outlook on Thursday, shows the nation’s summer is likely to be dry and see above-average heat. According to forecasts, it is very likely” that summer will see temperatures exceed average levels across the nation.
The bureau says the “key culprit” is a climate mechanism in the Indian Ocean which has been blamed over floods in Africa as well as Australia’s fires.
The positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) occurs when the western part of the ocean becomes significantly warmer than the eastern part. The current event being felt is “one of the strongest” on record, according to chief forecaster Dr Andrew Watkins.
Drought-stricken areas in Australia’s east are predicted to continue to receive “below average” rainfall.
Official figures show 2018 and 2017 were Australia’s third and fourth-hottest years on record respectively
