Media release

From: Bureau of Meteorology

Australia's Annual Climate Statement

Today the Bureau released Australia's Annual Climate Statement for 2024.

The Annual Climate Statement is the official record of climate conditions across Australia in 2024. It includes information on temperature, rainfall, water resources, oceans, atmosphere and notable weather events.

Australia in 2024:

• It was our second-warmest year since national temperature records began in 1910.
• With overall rainfall 28% above average, it was our eighth-wettest year since rainfall records began in 1900.
• While much of northern Australia and some inland areas had above average rainfall, it was much drier than usual in Victoria, parts of South Australia and some parts of the west.
• These drier conditions led to reduced water storage levels in some southern regions.
• Australia's total water storage volume was just under 73% at the end of 2024, which was similar to the previous year.
• Tropical cyclones brought heavy rainfall to northern parts of Australia early in the year.
• Low-intensity to severe heatwave conditions affected large parts of Australia during early and late 2024.
• Sea surface temperatures in the Australian region, as well as globally, were the warmest on record in 2024.
• Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record.

For the full report and analysis visit the Bureau website.