Climate trends at Melbourne (1945–2025)
Melbourne, Australia, has experienced notable changes in its climate over the past several decades. With a population of over 5 million, the city is home to multiple weather stations, including Laverton RAAF, which provide critical insights into local climate trends. The data shows a significant warming trend, with the mean temperature increasing by 1.6°C from the first decade of observations (1945–1956) to the last decade (2016–2025).
Trend Summary
During the period from 1945 to 2025, Melbourne's climate has shown a clear warming trend. The average temperature recorded in the first ten years was 13.85°C, while the last ten years recorded an average of 15.45°C. This increase reflects broader patterns observed in many urban areas globally, where climate change is leading to warmer temperatures and altered weather patterns.
In comparison, the mean temperature from 1961 to 1990 was 14.57°C, and from 1991 to 2020, it rose to 14.91°C. This indicates a gradual increase over the decades, with an approximate warming of 0.84°C since 1980. The trend shows an increase of about 0.293°C per decade since 1980, highlighting the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Climate Change Impacts
The warming trends observed in Melbourne are likely to contribute to various climate-related impacts, including increased risks of heat waves and droughts. As temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events may also increase, affecting both the environment and the community.
Comparison vs National Benchmark and Paris
When comparing Melbourne's average temperature from 1991 to 2020, which stands at approximately 14.91°C, it is significantly lower than the national average of 19.2°C for the top 500 cities in Australia. Furthermore, Melbourne's temperatures are 2.31°C higher than those recorded in Paris, indicating a distinct climatic divergence.
Top-5 Warm Years
- 2007: 15.89°C
- 2024: 15.88°C
- 2025: 15.84°C
- 2014: 15.71°C
- 2018: 15.66°C
The record coldest year recorded was 1949, with a temperature of 13.16°C, illustrating the significant warming trend over the decades.
For more detailed data, you can access the raw CSV file here or explore our interactive map here.