For those interested in the short term weather forecast, thunderstorms and rain are expected to continue across the Illawarra for at least another week.
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For those after a longer range forecast - like say the next 65 years - expect temperatures in the region to be on average 1.9 degrees celsius hotter than they are now.
The NSW Government has published a climate change snapshot, completed with maps and data on tempertaure changes, expected across the Illawarra until 2079.
Based on observations starting in 1910, the Office of Environment and Heritage said temperatures in the Illawarra region have been increasing since about 1960.
The region is projected to continue to warm in the ‘‘near future’’ (2020–2039) and ‘‘far future’’ (2060–2079), compared to recent years (1990–2009).
The warming is projected to be on average about 0.6 degrees in the ‘‘near future’’, increasing to about 1.9 degrees in the ‘‘far future’’.
‘‘The number of hot days is projected to increase, with fewer potential frost risk days anticipated in parts of the Illawarra,’’ the snapshot said.
Between 2060 and 2079 Wollongong can expect to have between one and five more days above 35 degrees each year than it does now.
West of Nowra that increases to between five and ten days.
The figures how annual average rainfall will not change significantly, but there will be changes in seasonal rainfall with less expected in winter and more in summer - good news for footballers, not so good news for cricketers.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said that the new data followed three years of research between the NSW and ACT governments and climate modellers at the University of NSW.
“Local knowledge on climate change is vital, so that our community can plan for the risks and opportunities it presents for our future,” he said.
To access this Illawarra and state wide data visit here.