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Record warm winter blamed on climate change

Australia’s record warm winter was made 60 times more likely by climate change, according to a report from the Climate Council.

Average maximum temperatures were nearly two degrees above average, and it was also the nation’s second-driest winter, setting the scene for a dangerous bushfire season with above-normal risk across almost one-third of the country.

The council says Australia’s average winter temperature has increased by about one degree since 1910, as a direct result of man-made climate change.

“Winter warm spells are lasting longer, occurring more often and becoming more intense,” it says. “The likelihood of such warm winters occurring will continue to increase as global temperatures rise.”

The report also warns Australia is on course for a warmer than average spring.