Authors: Krystelle Ho Andy Casely Valentina Koschatzky
In this report, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key climate drivers and potential impacts on the region. The report's findings are based on the latest research from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) and Queensland Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (QBCRC).
Key findings of this report:
- El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events are underway, bringing drier and warmer temperature across most of Australia.
- Below-average tropical cyclone and average severe thunderstorm conditions are expected.
- High fuel loads and low soil moisture levels are preconditioning much of eastern Australia for bushfire risk.
- A rare October tropical cyclone, TC Lola, has formed in the South Pacific and is expected to be a significant Category 3 or 4 cyclone impacting Vanuatu.
