Winter may be well underway, but many parts of NSW are experiencing temperatures more typical of autumn than the middle of June. After a brief burst of colder weather, snowfall in the alpine regions and rain across parts of the southeast, temperatures are forecast to rebound across much of the state, with Sydney among the cities expected to enjoy several days of pleasant weather. The warmer conditions are part of a broader pattern unfolding across Australia, with forecasters monitoring a number of climate drivers that could shape the winter months ahead. While it may still be too early to pack away the winter coat, early signs suggest this season could look a little different from what many Australians would normally expect in the cooler months.
Sydney set for another warm winter week
According to News.com.au, temperatures in several Australian capitals are forecast to climb well above the June average this week, with some cities expected to record daytime temperatures up to 5C above normal for this time of year. Sydney is forecast to remain in the low 20s throughout the week, while Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide are also tipped to enjoy unusually mild conditions. The warmer weather is expected to extend beyond the coming days, with long-range forecasts indicating above-average temperatures could become a recurring feature throughout winter and into spring.
The Bureau of Meteorology says daytime and overnight temperatures are likely to remain above average across much of Australia through winter and into spring. While there will still be cold snaps and weather systems moving through from time to time, forecasters say the overall trend favours warmer conditions for many parts of the country.
One factor forecasters are watching closely is the continued warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean, which is showing signs of moving towards El Niño thresholds. Although it is still too early to know exactly how the climate pattern will develop in the months ahead, El Niño events are often associated with warmer and drier conditions across eastern and southern Australia, particularly during the second half of the year.
While winter is just starting, the forecasts suggest many Australians may be reaching for lighter layers this year. Follow the Bureau of Meteorology Twitter page and Weatherzone for regular updates.
