No respite from sweltering heat

TERRITORIANS would be well aware we’re in for a particularly nasty build-up, and things aren’t going to cool down anytime soon over the next year, according to new Sky News Weather data.

Another warmer than average weather season with an increased risk of bushfires and severe thunderstorms is expected, the 2017/2018 Severe Weather Outlook has revealed.

Sky News chief meteorologist Tom Saunders said peo- ple living in the Top End should be prepared for more sweltering conditions over the next 12 months.

“Temperatures will be above average across the entire Northern Territory and the driving force behind that forecast is the increasing influence of global warming,” he said.

“Most years are now hotter than historical averages, in fact, every Australian capital has had at least five consecutive years with above average temperatures during the severe weather season.”

Mr Saunders also said the rainfall and cyclone activity is near average.

“Darwin had an incredible wet season last year with 2484.4mm received,” he said.

“The long-term wet season average is 1686.6mm and this year we’re expecting the rain to be closer to normal so it should be drier this season.

“We are forecasting two to three tropical cyclones for the northern region as well.”

Tune in to channel 603 on Foxtel for daily severe weather coverage on Sky News Weather.