HEAT!

Tomorrow we are expecting a maximum temperature of 44˚C in Melbourne. That is hot, but in the Northern Victorian towns of Mildura, Ouyen, Echuca, up to 48˚C... Some are predicting a record breaking 49˚C!

A photoshop collage reminding ourselves to keep cool and hydrated and "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide", which is an expanded Australian sun safety campaign from the Cancer Council designed to prevent skin cancer. It encourages 5 steps: Slip on clothing, Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses, particularly when the UV index is 3 or higher.

This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme,
and also part of the Seasons meme.

HELLISH TIMES

We've had three consecutive days in Victoria where temperatures have stayed up in the low 40s (˚C). The extreme heat, strong winds and tinder dry grasslands and Eucalypt forests have created a catastrophic set of circumstances for bushfires to start. Climate change and unpredictable weather events are making each year worse in Australia as fires, floods, droughts, cyclones and storms wreak havoc.

Presently, hundreds of firefighters are flat out out trying to contain many large out-of-control fires as night falls on Victoria, the most concerning fire is the enormous Longwood fire, which has been threatening several townships as it spreads through central Victoria. Firefighters and emergency services are concerned as a change in wind direction expected this Friday evening could hamper their efforts, as it pushes the blazes into new directions.

Three people, including a child, remain unaccounted-for after a house burned down in Longwood. The Country Fire Authority says cooler, calmer conditions might allow firefighters to assess the impact of multiple blazes in the coming days.

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme

CONFUSEASONAL

December is the first month of our Southern Hemisphere Summer. However, in Melbourne this year we've had a very cold and wet Spring. The pants have gone a little crazy and today we had rain and very cool weather, with snowfalls on the highest mountains of three of our states: Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. Our seasons have Northern Hemisphere envy...

This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme

and also part of the Seasons meme

UNLIKELY FRIENDS

Here we are in Southern Hemisphere mid-Winter here in Melbourne, and in the cold and wet weather, our garden has produced these two flowers concurrently: An Autumnal Chrysanthemum (usually in bloom around April) and a 'Pierre de Ronsard' rose (usually in bloom in November!) Climate change? Confused flowers? Strange weather conditions? Extreme microclimate conditions in our back yard?

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

STORM

We are seeing all sorts of strange weather phenomena on the southeastern coast of Australia. Some very devastating cyclonic weather in the northeast, heatwaves and then plummeting temperatures with storms in Melbourne. Climate change is happening and we're facing the music worldwide...

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme

SUCCULENTS

As our climate is being disrupted and water is becoming more and more precious, many people are turning to alternative. garden plants in order to enjoy a garden that is lush and yet conserves water. Succulents, cacti and sclerophyll forest plants are the order of the day. A garden filled with succulents and cacti not only saves water but also promotes biodiversity, turning into a sanctuary that amazes and inspires.

This post is part of the Wordless Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Nature Notes meme.

DAM

Farm dams are an omnipresent feature in the agricultural landscapes of eastern Australia, providing essential water for stock, crops, households and for native wildlife. They have typically been shaped like a shallow pond in which water accumulates and is accessed by animals.

In the context of a changing climate, water loss from farm dams by evaporation is likely to increase due to more extended dry periods, meaning traditional dams may become a less secure farm water source. This heightens the need for careful farm water planning and dam management.

Good design, construction and management of farm dams can pay significant dividends for farm productivity and for the environment. Enhancement of existing dams has significant benefits for agricultural productivity, biodiversity and climate management, through improved water quality, improved water persistence, improved provision of ecosystem services and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

This post is part of the Roentare’s Water Meme,

and also part of the Wordless Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Nature Notes meme.

LA NIÑA PRESSES ON

Our weather is true to the predicted La Niña pattern, with higher than average rainfall in Spring and Summer, with lower than normal temperatures. The extensive severe flooding that has occurred in Southeastern Australia continues and is causing much damage and great anguish in the affected regions. This too shall pass...

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme

AUTUMN SUN

Melbourne has a mild temperate climate, which means Winter is generally not severe, without extreme cold, snow or hail. In Autumn we can have some lovely sunny, warm days and rain can fall any time of the year, but we may also have droughts every now and then.

The vegetation is mainly native, although there are many introduced species in gardens and parks. Native trees are generally evergreen, with Eucalyptus and related species predominating. This is a typical Autumn scene, with the evergreen eucalypts dominating the landscape. As soon as the first Autumn rains fall, the grass grows and the landscape looks quite lush.

This post is part of the Wordless Wednesday meme,
and also part of the My Corner of the World meme,
and also part of the Nature Notes meme.

HEATWAVE

Today we experienced blistering hot temperatures in Melbourne, just as the weatherman predicted. However, as is often the case with Melbourne's heat, we experienced relief from a cool change. Melbourne’s hottest day in five years suddenly became almost chilly as a fierce cold front crashed through the city. The CBD recorded a maximum temperature of 42.6˚C at 3.41pm and was still at 42˚C by 4pm. Police said five children had to be rescued from locked cars. Then, in the space of 30 minutes, the mercury plunged by 20˚ to 22˚C — below average for this time of year.

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme,
and also part of the Friday Photo Journal meme.

Look at that crazy temperature chart line in red, climbing to over 40˚C and then dropping to 22˚C in a matter of minutes as the change sweeps through.

Early morning hot sun and clear skies, with the temperature climbing quickly.

As the change and clouds roll in, the temperature plummets. Never a dull moment in Melbourne!