New research shows extreme fire weather days in Australia have doubled in recent decades. 

Extreme fire weather days have increased in Australia by 56 per cent over the last four decades, according to new research from an international team of scientists. 

The fire season length across Australia has increased by 27 additional days over the last 41 years (1979-2019).

Researcher Dr Pep Canadell says the increase in fire weather trends has translated to an increase in the number of Australian bushfires.

“Australia has always experienced extreme bushfires, but the Black Summer of 2019/2020 highlighted an increasing trend in fire activity,” Dr Canadell said.

“These new findings show that the whole of Australia has seen an increase in extreme fire weather events and extreme fire days over the last four decades.”

While the Australian fire season has increased by 20 per cent over the last 40 years, globally, the average increase was found to be 27 per cent. The frequency of days with extreme fire weather globally averaged a 54 per cent increase over the same 40-year period, compared to Australia's increase of 56 per cent.

The length of the fire season increases has been particularly pronounced in western North America, Amazonia and the Mediterranean.

“Fire weather has risen significantly in most regions around the world since the 1980s, primarily due to the impacts of climate change,” Dr Canadell said.

“Australia's highly variable fire weather conditions contribute to annual variability in fire activity, however, we are seeing over time a clear increase in the fire season and fire weather trend. Long-term climate change is driving the increasing trends.

“Our study demonstrates the importance of understanding how trends in fire weather can help first responders, policy makers, and the community better prepare for, and respond to bushfires. It also highlights the importance of curbing global carbon emissions.”

Under future climate change scenarios, an increase in global mean temperatures from 1.5C to 4C by 2100 could result in the fire season length extending from 11 to 36 additional days (11 per cent to 37 per cent) compared to current conditions.

More details are accessible here.