As Australia’s climate is now under the influence of La Niña, landscape and weather conditions continue to be vastly different to the previous two years.
Weather conditions for the year to date, and the summer climate signals, mean that large parts of New South Wales west of the Great Dividing Range face above normal fire conditions, as well as grassland areas of the ACT and into north eastern Victoria. Grass and crop fires are the main concern in these locations for the summer months as the growth dries out in the warmer weather.
Western Australia has largely missed out on the rainfall in 2020 and conditions are very dry, with parts of the south and south west coasts expecting above normal fire conditions through summer.
Despite the expected wetter conditions for the coming months, CRC Research Director Dr John Bates warned that fires will continue to be an ever-present risk in the coming months.
“The grass might be green in your area right now, but it will not take long for it to dry out once the heat of summer arrives,” Dr Bates explained.
“Grass fires can start quickly and spread rapidly, fanned by strong winds. They can catch you out and they can do plenty of damage. Despite the prospect of a wetter summer, a few hot and windy days can make a big difference to the fire risk, especially in grass and crop areas.
“Our research shows that everyone needs to be prepared for fire – from the farmer on the land, to holidaymakers, to those who live on the urban fringes of our cities and towns. When the wind is up and the weather is hot, fires will occur right across Australia,” Dr Bates said.
The Australian SeasonalBushfireOutlook is produced quarterly to assist fire and land management agencies in making strategic decisions, such as resource planning and prescribed fire management to reduce the negative impacts of fires.