Its getting hot in here!

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by Chris Becker

The results are in: 2014 was the 3rd hottest year on record, just below last years new record. More from the Bureau of Meteorology which released its Annual Climate Statement today:

Assistant Director for Climate Information Services, Neil Plummer, said 2014 was characterised by frequent heatwaves and warm spells, and a notable reduction in cold weather.

“Much of Australia experienced temperatures very much above average in 2014, with mean temperatures 0.91°C above the long-term average,” said Mr Plummer.

“This follows the warmest year on record in 2013, which was 1.20°C warmer than average.

“Particularly warm conditions occurred in spring 2014, which was Australia’s warmest spring on record.

”El Niño-like effects were felt in drier and warmer conditions in much of eastern Australia during 2014.”

20150106_Tmean_plot
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Here are the key takeaways:

  • For Australia as a whole, rainfall was near average for the year, with 478mm (1961–1990 average 465mm)
  • Six significant heatwaves and warm spells occurred, including one of southeast Australia’s most prolonged heatwaves in mid-January.
  • Sea surface temperatures around Australia were unusually warm; 0.49°C above average for the year to November.
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The summary:

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Nationally, Australian temperatures have warmed approximately one degree since 1950, and the continued warmth in 2014 adds to this long-term warming trend.

Globally, preliminary estimates by the World Meteorological Organization has 2014 on track to be one of the hottest, if not the hottest, on record.

More heat, more heatwaves, more bushfires (?) Its all good, coal will save us!

Find the full statement, including graphs here at the BOM.