A climate expert from a prominent Australian university has cautioned that the unusually warm weather seen in May across Western Australia and the country at large is indicative of the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Perth has recorded maximum temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s for much of May, and forecasts suggest that daytime highs will remain above 25°C for the next week.
Several regional locations have also experienced warmer-than-average conditions, with some areas facing dry spells.
“In parts of WA, we’ve observed maximum temperatures reaching eight to ten degrees above the seasonal average in recent days during this heat period,” said Dr Andrew King from the University of Melbourne.
“This is a significant heat event, though not as impactful as a summer heatwave,” he told ABC Radio Perth. “Still, it’s worrying given that we should be seeing a proper seasonal cool-down by now.”
Warming and drying trends in autumn
Dr King explained that this pattern is part of a broader trend observed throughout the year.
“Our autumns are getting warmer, and in fact, WA experienced its hottest March on record this year, driven by human-induced climate change,” he said.
“This suggests a continuing shift toward hotter autumns. Additionally, southern Western Australia is seeing a marked drying trend, which is expected to persist in the coming decades.
“While individual autumns may vary, this overall trajectory is likely to become increasingly common.”
Following a sweltering summer and unprecedented heat in 2024, WA appears headed for yet another unusually warm autumn.
Dr King noted that this trend is already having notable effects on marine ecosystems in the region.
“Higher temperatures generally put stress on coral reefs, raising the risk of bleaching and even coral death,” he explained.
“The marine heatwave off Australia’s northwest coast has been especially intense over the past few months.”
He attributed the rising temperatures to human activity.
“When we examine long-term weather station data from the past century or more, the trend toward higher temperatures—including in autumn—is unmistakable,” Dr King said. “It’s clear the climate would be different today if we hadn’t been releasing greenhouse gases.”
