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Warming oceans will intensify cyclones in Australia’s north: IAG

Warming oceans off eastern Australia will see tropical cyclones retain higher intensities further south and penetrate further inland, increasing risks in south-east Queensland and north-east NSW, research from IAG says.

There is also a potential for increased risks in the coastal districts south of Shark Bay in WA, says IAG’s latest Severe Weather in a Changing Climate report, which was prepared with the US-based National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

“Climate change affects us all and the more that we can share information, the better off we are,” NCAR Senior Scientist Greg Holland said. “We need to work together if we’re going to make a difference.”

The report says global warming will result in more frequent and intense extreme weather events across Australia, resulting in greater property, personal and economic damage.

Bushfire risk will increase nationally, while the east coast of Australia will be particularly vulnerable to severe flash and river flooding.

Large hailstorms will be experienced further south, including in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Melbourne.

The research is based on the latest climate data and extreme weather event predictions, based on a range of warming temperatures ranging up to 3 degrees from pre-industrial times.