{"id":245836,"date":"2019-10-14T13:29:00","date_gmt":"2019-10-14T03:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=245836"},"modified":"2020-07-16T12:13:38","modified_gmt":"2020-07-16T02:13:38","slug":"more-heatwaves-fires-predicted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/10\/14\/more-heatwaves-fires-predicted\/","title":{"rendered":"More Heatwaves, Fires Predicted"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dr Andrew Watkins … a greater risk of fires but fewer cyclones predicted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

October 14, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning communities there is an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires during the coming months.<\/p>\n

The Bureau’s Severe Weather Season Outlook, released on Monday, predicts that the nation will experience warmer and drier-than-average conditions.<\/p>\n

“This is due largely to a record strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, that leads to drier air than usual over north-west Australia which supplies much of Australia’s rainfall,” head of long-range forecasts Dr Andrew Watkins said.<\/p>\n

“The increased odds of warmer-than-average days, coupled with a very dry landscape and a likely late start to the northern wet season, give a clear indication that we’re likely to see more heatwaves than normal.<\/p>\n

“It also adds to the potential bushfire risk, particularly when you consider how dry many parts of southern and eastern Australia are at the moment.”<\/p>\n

The Severe Weather Season Outlook also shows a lower risk of widespread flooding, and a near normal chance of severe thunderstorms, but Dr Watkins said communities still should be prepared.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Severe thunderstorms and significant rainfall events can happen at any time,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Not being complacent and taking the time to know your weather and know your risk is one of the best ways to stay safe during the coming severe weather season.”<\/p>\n

The Bureau also released its Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook, with the odds (65 per cent) favouring fewer cyclones than normal.<\/p>\n

Despite this, Dr Watkins was quick to point out the risk from cyclones was always high.<\/p>\n

“We’ve never had a tropical cyclone season without at least one cyclone crossing the coast. This means that despite a reduced risk this season, all communities in northern Australia must be ready,” Dr Watkins said.<\/p>\n

“Even if cyclones stay well out to sea, they can still pose a significant risk to property and lives through strong winds, intense rain and flooding, and storm surges.”<\/p>\n