Melbourne is currently enjoying an uncharacteristically warm month, though this pleasant spell may soon come to an end. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the city has experienced temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius for nine out of the past 13 days. The average maximum temperature so far this month is approximately 3.9 degrees higher than the same period last year, which stood at 17.3 degrees.
However, alongside this rise in temperatures, rainfall has been scarce, with only 1.2mm recorded this month. This trend of below-average rainfall has persisted for the past three months, raising concerns about water levels.
Forecasts indicate that the warm weather will be short-lived as a cold front approaches from Tasmania, bringing showers and a drop in temperature. On Saturday, a maximum of just 15 degrees is expected, while Sunday may see easing showers and temperatures reaching 14 degrees. Fortunately, the outlook for next week appears to brighten again.
Starting Monday, predicted conditions will include plenty of sunshine and temperatures close to 20 degrees. Despite current forecasts showing some cold and wet weather, long-range predictions suggest no immediate return to these conditions, particularly as we draw closer to winter. This year has already seen some regions experience the driest start on record due to insufficient autumn rain, exacerbating drought conditions across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
In summary, while Melbourne enjoys a warm spell, the city faces challenges related to low rainfall and potential drought as weather patterns shift.