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White-capped waves roll across a rough ocean beneath a blue sky dotted with scattered clouds. In the distance, several offshore wind turbines are visible on the horizon, illustrating the connection between coastal weather and renewable energy generation.

Study finds sea breeze could enhance Australia’s future energy grid

July 13, 2026 12:09 am Published by Comments Off on Study finds sea breeze could enhance Australia’s future energy grid

When the temperature climbs into the high thirties, millions of Australians reach for the same switch. Air conditioners hum into life, homes cool down, and electricity demand begins its steady climb towards the evening peak. Keeping enough power flowing on those hot summer afternoons is already one of the biggest challenges facing the electricity grid, and it’s only set to increase as global average temperatures continue to climb. New research from the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of... Read More

Close-up view of a surface covered in countless small, translucent ice shards or crystals, creating a textured, frosted pattern in pale blue and gray tones. The image fills the frame with no visible horizon or distinct objects, emphasizing the sparkling, granular texture.

Hail conditions on the move as winter crops face rising risk

June 3, 2026 10:24 pm Published by Comments Off on Hail conditions on the move as winter crops face rising risk

New research led by UNSW suggests that as the climate warms, the conditions that produce hailstorms are drifting towards the poles, leaving winter crops increasingly exposed. A hailstorm can undo a season’s work in minutes. It can strike quickly and unevenly, shredding wheat, bruising fruit and flattening crops, while leaving neighbouring paddocks untouched. In a new Nature Climate Change study, scientists from UNSW Sydney say the geography and seasonality of that risk is changing. As the planet warms, the atmospheric conditions that... Read More

Three people sit around a small table recording a podcast, each holding a handheld microphone. A man on the left in a black sweater looks toward a woman in the middle, who wears a pink patterned blouse and faces slightly toward an older man on the right in a bright pink shirt. Laptops, cables, drinks, and audio equipment are spread across the table, while a camera in the foreground captures the scene.

Public survey: Share your thoughts and you could win free merchandise

May 14, 2026 1:48 am Published by Comments Off on Public survey: Share your thoughts and you could win free merchandise

Help to shape how we share our weather and climate research At 21st Century Weather, we’re always looking for ways to make our research more accessible, relevant and engaging. We’re inviting you to take part in a short audience survey to help us understand how people interact with our content, and how we can improve. By completing the survey, you can enter the draw to win limited edition 21st Century Weather-branded merchandise. Why your feedback matters Your input will help... Read More

Bright sun blazing over a hazy city skyline, with orange and red tones suggesting extreme heat and air pollution.

Deadly heat stress conditions are already occurring

April 20, 2026 12:49 am Published by Comments Off on Deadly heat stress conditions are already occurring

Deadly heatwave events are occurring at temperatures and humidity levels previously thought to be survivable, according to a new paper led by 21st Century Weather and featuring a team of international researchers. A study by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and her collaborators looked at heatwaves that occurred in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) during 2024, Bangkok (Thailand) during 2024, Phoenix (United States) during 2023, Mount Isa (Australia) during 2019, Larkana (Pakistan) during 2015, and Seville (Spain) in 2003. The events featured climatologically extreme... Read More

A surfer skillfully rides a cresting turquoise wave near a bustling beach, with white foam spraying around. In the background, numerous surfers wait in the water and a densely built coastal town lines the sandy shore, filled with beachgoers enjoying the vibrant seaside atmosphere.

Life’s a breeze: Modelling offshore wind to unlock weather resources

January 29, 2026 11:10 pm Published by Comments Off on Life’s a breeze: Modelling offshore wind to unlock weather resources

From surfing after work to a swinging cricket ball, most Australians are already familiar with the regular arrival into our lives of a sea breeze. For some, it helps to cool down our sweltering cities on a hot summer evening, or it announces the end of a day at the beach by whipping up waves and sand. In Perth, they even have a name for its welcome, cooling effect – the Fremantle Doctor.  Sea breezes form as land heats up... Read More

Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick receives Scientist Communicator of the Year Award

November 13, 2025 11:33 pm Published by Comments Off on Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick receives Scientist Communicator of the Year Award

21st Century Weather’s Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick has been named the Scientist Communicator of the Year for 2025. Awarded by Australian Science Communicators (ASC), it recognises a researcher who communicates their work, or the work of their field, to audiences with clarity and excellence. In particular, the quality of the scientist’s science communication expertise is recognised by the award.  The ASC is the peak body for science communication in Australia, bringing together professionals, educators, researchers, journalists, and creative communicators to advance meaningful... Read More

Close-up of a wind turbine with large white blades against a clear blue sky, with the full moon appearing just behind one of the blades.

Strategic wind farms: How to balance weather resources & energy demand

November 2, 2025 10:22 pm Published by Comments Off on Strategic wind farms: How to balance weather resources & energy demand

Carefully choosing the location of wind farms could help to balance electricity supply and demand during hot and cold days in southeast Australia, but more research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between weather, wind and energy. Together with hydroelectricity and solar, wind power is becoming an important source of renewable energy as Australia continues the transition to net zero. One area chosen for offshore wind farm development is the Bass Strait, along the coast of Gippsland in... Read More

Close-up of a woman’s face seen through a semi-transparent surface with swirling blue and white patterns, giving the impression of smoke or mist partially obscuring her features.

Negin Nazarian recognised with AGU’s Global Environmental Award

September 29, 2025 1:32 am Published by Comments Off on Negin Nazarian recognised with AGU’s Global Environmental Award

21st Century Weather Deputy Director Negin Nazarian has received the 2025 Global Environmental Change Early Career Award from the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The AGU is the world’s largest Earth and Space science association. It celebrates individuals and teams through its annual honours and recognition program for accomplishments in research, education, science communication and outreach. AGU’s annual meetings bring together more than 25,000 researchers, practitioners, students, and policymakers from around the world. The Global Environmental Change Early Career Award recognises... Read More

Beyond net zero: Preparing for a future of locked-in climate change

July 7, 2025 3:39 am Published by Comments Off on Beyond net zero: Preparing for a future of locked-in climate change

Governments and businesses around the world are working toward net zero carbon emissions, where the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere is balanced out by what we remove. It’s a vital step to stop further global warming, but new research warns that reaching net zero won’t mark a swift end to climate change. While global average temperatures may stop rising after net zero, other parts of the climate system will keep changing. Oceans will continue to warm,... Read More