‘Super rare’ El Nino threat looms for NSW, warmer-than-usual temperatures for Anzac Day
The weather pattern has raised alarms about a ‘super rare’ event that may be hurtling towards the coast earlier than expected.
Aussies heading for Dawn Services on Anzac Day may be in for some warmer-than-usual temperatures as an unusual system develops off the south coast.
The weather pattern has raised alarms about a “super rare” El Nino that may be hurtling towards Australia’s east coast earlier than expected.
The next few days would be warmer than average for much of the country, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
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This increase in temperature is being driven by a “very high pressure system”, which is hovering over the Tasman Sea and causing the south to feel a bit of extra warmth.
“That’s allowing northerly winds dragging that warm air from Central Australia down into southeastern Australia, which is providing those above-average temperatures in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania,” Mr Narramore said.
Meanwhile, the system is pushing easterly and southerly winds further north, cooling parts of NSW and Queensland.
“So it’s warmer in the south and cooler in the north compared to average, of course,” Mr Narramore said.
The warmer-than-usual conditions will extend into Anzac Day too, with those attending the Dawn Service finding temperatures in the high single figures or double digits.
“There might be almost no frost anywhere in the country (on) Saturday morning,” Mr Narramore said.
“So that’s good news for those heading out for those Dawn Services, and it should be fairly dry as well for much of the country.”
Despite the relatively dry conditions, people in Australia’s coastal areas may see a bit of rainfall, as the high pressure system drives cooler conditions in the north.
‘Super rare’ El Nino approaches
As temperatures continue to shift across the country, there are fears the “super rare” El Nino is heading straight for Sydney.
El Nino is a weather phenomenon driven by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean and usually lasts between nine and 12 months.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the official El Nino season has ended, with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation classified as “neutral”, meaning it’s neither La Nina nor El Nino.
However, the bureau also indicated sea temperatures were climbing “progressively”, which could spark a shift to El Nino later this year.
“The bureau and other models forecast the tropical Pacific to continue warming in the coming months to reach levels consistent with El Nino,” it said.
However, while the bureau indicated the weather pattern was possible, there was speculation about when it could reach Australia’s east coast.
“Some suggest as early as May, while others show a slower warming with thresholds not being met until July,” it said.
The weather phenomenon has been labelled “super rare” by some outlets. The bureau said the pattern was “part of the natural cycle” in the Pacific Ocean.
If the weather phenomenon were to arrive early, more intense rainfall and temperatures were likely.
“Sometimes a weak El Nino can lead to significant impacts on Australia’s rainfall and temperature, while a stronger event may have fewer noticeable impacts,” the bureau said.
Originally published as ‘Super rare’ El Nino threat looms for NSW, warmer-than-usual temperatures for Anzac Day
