Australian ski resorts smash July climate records with temperatures 12C above average
News Source
•Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:00:45 GMT
📰 What Happened
Australian ski resorts in New South Wales and Victoria smashed July climate records over the weekend. Temperatures reached up to 12 degrees Celsius above average. Mount Hotham and Falls Creek set new July records for both daytime and night-time heat. Thredbo also broke its record for the hottest July day.
The warm weather has hurt the ski season badly. Natural snow has only fallen here and there in alpine areas. Resorts now depend almost entirely on snow-making machines to keep their slopes open.
🔍 The Backstory
An El Nino weather pattern is now active in the Pacific Ocean. The Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast pointed to drier and warmer conditions for alpine areas this winter. Scientists call this a 'bad combination' for snow.
Climate experts have warned for years that global warming would hurt Australia's ski resorts. The lack of snow affects more than just skiers. Local tourism towns depend on winter visitors for their income. If snow keeps disappearing, these communities could face serious economic problems.
🎯 Why It Matters
Warmer winters mean less snow, which hurts ski tourism and local jobs. It is a clear sign that climate change is already changing Australian life in real ways.
Australian ski resorts in New South Wales and Victoria smashed July climate records over the weekend. Temperatures reached up to 12 degrees Celsius above average. Mount Hotham and Falls Creek set new July records for both daytime and night-time heat. Thredbo also broke its record for the hottest July day.
The warm weather has hurt the ski season badly. Natural snow has only fallen here and there in alpine areas. Resorts now depend almost entirely on snow-making machines to keep their slopes open.
An El Nino weather pattern is now active in the Pacific Ocean. The Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast pointed to drier and warmer conditions for alpine areas this winter. Scientists call this a 'bad combination' for snow.
Climate experts have warned for years that global warming would hurt Australia's ski resorts. The lack of snow affects more than just skiers. Local tourism towns depend on winter visitors for their income. If snow keeps disappearing, these communities could face serious economic problems.
Warmer winters mean less snow, which hurts ski tourism and local jobs. It is a clear sign that climate change is already changing Australian life in real ways.