Sydney experiences warmest winter in over a century as crowds flock to the water

▲ Australia has had a mild winter this year, and Sydney has experienced its warmest winter in 150 years. (Photo provided by netizen Alicia)

Reported by Travel Centre / Taipei

Australia has had a mild winter this year, with no severe cold fronts and higher-than-usual temperatures in major cities. Sydney has had its warmest winter in 150 years, drawing crowds to the beaches as if spring had arrived early.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said there were no severe cold fronts this winter, with warm weather across the country. From September last year to August this year, it was nearly the warmest 12-month period on record, with average temperatures 1.11°C higher than usual.

According to bureau records, the top four warmest winter months in history all occurred in the past 12 months. Meteorologist Rob Sharpe described July and August this year as feeling like late autumn or early spring. He predicted that spring might also be warmer, with temperatures in September likely to be above the seasonal average.

Meteorologist Tom Saunders analyzed that this year’s mild winter in Australia was due to high-pressure systems dominating, which reduced the formation of cold fronts in June and July and shielded the region from polar chill.


▲ The night view of Sydney, Australia, is captivating. (Photo provided by netizen Alicia)

The four major Australian cities—Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne—all set records for the warmest winters on record. Brisbane’s average temperature was 17.2°C, breaking the 1973 record.

The mild winter weather made it feel like spring, and Australians couldn’t wait to head outdoors. Yesterday was Father’s Day in Australia, and with warm sunshine and gentle breezes, Sydney’s popular Manly Beach saw large crowds of people enjoying the water or sunbathing on the sand.

However, for ski operators, this winter’s lack of snowfall has been challenging. The bureau predicts continued warm weather, with possible rainfall in the coming weeks. Sharpe said snow piles will melt quickly, and ski slopes may turn muddy—not ideal skiing conditions. (News source: Central News Agency)