Climate Change in the NAR
Australia’s changing climate represents a significant challenge to individuals, communities, governments, businesses and the environment. Australia has already experienced increases in average temperatures over the past 60 years, with more frequent hot weather, fewer cold days, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels.
To assist the planning and management of Natural Resource Management regions, CSIRO and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology have prepared climate change projections for eight regions of Australia, termed NRM clusters.
The Northern Agricultural Region is part of the Southern and South-Western Flatlands (SSWF) cluster, comprising NRM regions in southwest Western Australia and southern South Australia.
Climate projections for SSWF are based on the outputs of a set of 40 global climate models developed by Australian and international scientists. The projections are the most comprehensive ever released for Australia. For more information view the full report or for easy communication of their findings view the 8 page brochure.
For information about these models and climate scenarios, please visit the Climate Change in Australia website.
Summary of Climate Change Projections for the South West of WA
Average temperatures will continue to increase in all seasons
Hotter and more frequent hot days, less frost
Less rain in winter and spring, changes in other seasons unclear.
Increased intensity of heavy rainfall events, drought duration to increase
Decrease in winter mean wind speed

Increased solar radiation and reduced relative humidity in winter and spring

Increased evaporation rates, and reduced soil moisture and runoff
A harsher fire-weather climate in the future
Higher sea levels and more frequent sea-level extremes
Warmer and more acidic oceans in the future
Source: Hope, P.et al. 2015, Southern and South-Western Flatlands Cluster Report, Climate Change in Australia Projections for Australia’s Natural Resource Management Regions: Cluster Reports, eds. Ekstrom, M. et , CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology, Australia.