November 21, 2024
Weather patterns across Australia have taken an unusual twist, with Brisbane experiencing winter like maximums while cities in southern Australia are feeling the heat.
Cold Weather in Brisbane
Brisbane recorded a maximum temperature of just 23.1°C yesterday (November 20), which is 5°C below the November average. While the official maximum was 23, realistically the temperature only reached 22.4°C yesterday in Brisbane. However official maximum temperatures are recorded between 9am to 9am each day. For this reason, the maximum for yesterday can occur anytime from 9am yesterday to 9am today. As the temperature climbed above 22.4°C this morning prior to 9am - this became the new maximum for the day.
The chilly weather came courtesy of cool southeast winds under a thick deck of cloud and rain. Adding to the unseasonable conditions, Brisbane has recorded 179mm of rainfall for November—nearly double the monthly average of 94mm.
Heatwave Conditions Down South
Low intensity heatwave warning for Victoria. Source: BoM
Meanwhile, the same weather system bringing cooler conditions to Brisbane is driving unseasonably warm weather in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart. A ridge along the east coast is pushing southeast winds into Queensland, while at the same time funnelling warm northerly winds into southeastern Australia as cold fronts approach.
GFS 850mb temperatures showing cooler air across Brisbane (brought about by onshore, southeast winds), with warm air extending down from northern Australia into southeastern Australia. Source: MetCentre
Melbourne: Expect a maximum of 29°C today (7°C above average). Tomorrow, temperatures may reach 35°C, which would make it the warmest November day in four years. However on Saturday, average weighted forecasts suggest the mercury could nudge towards 36.0°C . If temperatures exceed 36.0°C, then this would make it the hottest November day in five years (with 40.9°C in November 2019 being the equal hottest November day on record for the city).
Adelaide: Maximums are forecast to hit 34°C today and 36°C tomorrow, up to 12°C above average.
Hobart: The city will reach 28°C on Saturday, 9°C above the November average.
This contrast between cooler, wetter conditions in Brisbane and unseasonably warm temperatures in southern Australia highlights the diverse weather patterns shaping the country this week. Fortunately, they won't persist for long with the southern states becoming cooler early next week, while maximums in Brisbane should push back towards 30C by mid-next week.
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