Increasing global temperatures
Increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere means that surface temperatures across the globe are increasing. The frequency and intensity of weather and climate extremes are increasing.
Learn more about greenhouse gases and their impact, on our Climate change in Australia page.
Drought is more likely
Climate change means it is likely southern Australia will spend more time in drought. Increasing temperatures can mean a drought has more impact, by worsening dry conditions.
Less rainfall is projected
Recent decades have seen decreases in cool season rainfall (April to October) across many regions of the southern half of Australia.
The decrease is projected to continue, with likely longer droughts on average. This is associated with the projected shift in the track of rain-bearing frontal systems further south.
Impact on water resources
Decreasing rainfall, with fewer very wet years, makes it harder for water storages and groundwater to recover.
While there may be enough water to meet short-term needs, we become more vulnerable to another drought. We may not have the reserves to sustain us over periods of lower-than-average rainfall.
See our Australian Water Outlook website for the projected impact of climate change on rainfall, soil moisture, runoff and evaporation.
Drought can have more impact as rising temperatures make dry conditions worse