According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), last year marked the hottest global temperatures recorded, while Australia experienced its second hottest year overall. The BoM’s Annual Climate Statement indicated that the average temperature in 2024 was 1.46 degrees Celsius above the long-term average, making it the warmest year since 2019. This average is derived from temperature data collected between 1961 and 1990.
Climate specialist Nadine D’Argent noted that last year’s spring was the warmest on record, while winter was the second hottest, and summer ranked third. Heatwaves impacted various regions early in the year and again from September to December.
On the precipitation front, Australia recorded its eighth wettest year since 1900, with rainfall levels 28 per cent above average. This surge in rainfall was primarily concentrated in the northern parts of the country. However, states such as Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia experienced below-average rainfall, particularly Victoria, which saw a 20 per cent drop. In contrast, Queensland, New South Wales/ACT, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory enjoyed significantly above-average rainfall. Tropical cyclones contributed to the heavy rains and major flooding, especially in northern Australia, marking it as the wettest year since 2011.