Extreme weather is happening more often, and Australia’s most recent winter is consistent with US data showing June to August was the second warmest in 140 years for that season globally, the latest Australian Actuaries Climate Index reveals.

The index, which is published quarterly, shows Australia’s winter 2019 was among the driest recorded, with all areas except Victoria experiencing below average rainfall when compared with the reference period of 1981-2010. Extreme temperatures were experienced for every region except parts of north Queensland.

“The Australian Actuaries Climate Index clearly shows extreme weather is happening more often,” Actuaries Institute President Nicolette Rubinsztein said.

Winter 2019 was the seventh consecutive winter to show extreme high temperatures above those of the reference period. Parts of Western Australia, South Australia and NSW experienced the driest or second driest season since the index began in 1981, reflecting ongoing drought since 2017.

The Actuaries Institute is urging that the implications of climate change be considered in building code, land use and infrastructure investment decisions.