Fortnight of heat

Since my last post, much of Australia has sweltered through a long series of extremely hot weather. In a country noted for high temperatures and searing winds, the Australian Climate Commission has released a report on the Extreme Weather we have been experiencing. Entitled "Off the Charts" the summary indicates the issues facing our country. And I quote:"

• The length, extent and severity of the current Australian heatwave is unprecedented in the measurement record.
• Although Australia has always had heatwaves, hot days and bushfires, climate change is increasing the risk of more frequent and longer heatwaves and more extreme hot days, as well as exacerbating bushfire conditions.
• Climate change has contributed to making the current extreme heat conditions and bushfires worse.
• Good community understanding of climate change risks is critical to ensure we take appropriate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to put measures in place to prepare for, and respond to, extreme weather.

http://climatecommission.gov.au/report/off-charts-extreme-january-heat-2013/
Luckily, Melbourne has had a few cooler days, enabling the houses and people a bit of respite. The Emergency Services people have been kept busy but at least it has not been as disastrous as 2009. Sympathies go to the people of the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania and the many people facing huge fires in NSW.