Because of this negative Indian Ocean Dipole,most of Australia can expect above-average rainfall and below-average daytime maximum temperatures this winter. Generally,these weather patterns start in late autumn or winter,and can last until the onset of the northern Australian monsoon in spring.

Fortunately,this cold snap is temporary – and normal – says Melbourne University climate scientist Dr Andrew King.

As human-caused global warming accelerates,the probability of weather systems bringing record-breaking cold weather reduces dramatically.

“Even though we’re seeing icy temperatures,overall,we still see far more record hot temperatures and more intense,frequent heat waves,” King said.

Traditionally,the negative Indian Ocean Dipole brings good winter rainfall for grain growers,and heavier snow to ski fields.

The prolonged absence of negative Indian dipole events has been blamed for historical multi-year droughts in south-east Australia. But human-caused climate change means the signal for the negative Indian dipole isn’t as clear as it was in the past.

Australia’s weather and climate are changing in response to a warming global climate. Australia has warmed on average by 1.4 degrees since national records began in 1910,with most warming occurring since 1950 and every decade since then being warmer than the ones before.

Southern Australia has seen a reduction of 10 to 20 per cent in cool season rainfall in recent decades. There has also been a trend towards very heavy,short rainfall,especially across northern Australia.

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