Snowfall in April, record hot day in May. Is this a new norm for Tasmania? Scientists explain
Tasmania experienced unusual weather patterns, with snowfall in April and a record hot day forecast for May, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on fire seasons. A recent bushfire at Dolphin Sands was linked to the warm autumn weather.
Tasmania's weather has been unusual, with temperatures fluctuating from single-digit temperatures and snowfalls to steady high teens and low 20s. The Tasmania Fire Service issued multiple bushfire warnings, including for a fire near Swansea on the state's east coast. A bushfire at Dolphin Sands was linked to the warm autumn weather, with 'unusually warm conditions' and changing wind conditions causing the fire to break containment lines. The Bureau of Meteorology forecast a high of nearly 25 °C in Hobart later in the week, one of the warmest May days on record. In 139 years of monitoring, the warmest May temperature was 25.7 °C, set in 1997. A researcher noted the recent warmer days fit a worldwide trend of lengthening fire seasons.
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