Why the weather in Antarctica could lead to greater bushfire risk in Australia
Rare warmer weather above Antarctica in spring has led to a greater risk of bushfires in three Australian states, experts warn.
Antarctica experienced a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW), meaning parts of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia experienced less rain than usual, as well as hot and dry winds.
This means the environment is drier and fuel loads are higher, increasing bushfire risks in these areas.
Live Updates: Teen accounts won't 'magically disappear', eSafety boss says
Rare polar weather has led to less rain in parts of Australia during spring. Media Response Newcastle.
An SSW refers to a rapid increase in the temperature over a polar region, which disrupts the polar vortex, powerful winds that flow around Antarctica.
As a result, eastern parts of Australia experienced less rainfall than usual, but southern and western parts of Australia had higher rainfall as the polar winds moved further west.
It will also impact weather in the summer months.
"Much of Australia should experience a warmer than normal summer," Weatherzone's Ben Domensino said.
"While the recent SSW brought healthy rainfall to parts of Australia's southern states, NSW and Qld experienced a number of very hot, dry and windy spells in spring. This has helped dry out the landscape, elevating fire fuel loads for summer."
READ MORE: Man accused of throwing grenade during home attack in suburban street
Thunderstorms pose their own bushfire risk, experts warn. Arch Media Studio
Fire danger is likely to be higher in New South Wales, as well as southern and central Queensland in December.
Parts of Australia will actually experience wetter summers due to weak La Nina conditions on the eastern seaboard.
Domensino warns this could actually increase the chance of bushfires in some regions.
"Lightning has the potential to ignite fires, especially across dry landscape, as they have already done numerous times this season," he said.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
