Changes in temperature and rainfall

Although maximum and minimum temperatures are projected to undergo a comparatively moderate increase of 0.5-1.1°C by 2035, the major climate impact on Murray Bridge will be on extreme temperatures. Days over 40C will increase from 2.3-3.6 days annually, while runs of 3-5 days in such high temperatures will start to occur. As with Werribee, the major decline in rainfall is likely to occur during spring, with decreases of 6-21% predicted.

Potential effects on crops

• Increases in summer temperatures, particularly the increases in extremes, will impact on summer crops
• The potential and expected increase in the frost window may have significant implications for the Murray Bridge region, especially as warm temperatures encourage susceptible young growth
• Predictions for Murray water availability in 2035 are less severe than those experienced in the recent drought. During 1997-2006 surface water availability declined by 30%. The best estimate for 2035 is a 14% reduction in surface water availability

Click HERE for a table showing the effects of changes in average temperature of +1^oC, +2^oC, +3^oC, +4^oC as well as the impact of 5 days over 35^oC for major crops grown in Murray Bridge.

Note : These descriptions relate to the temperatures that the crops experience and not to changes in monthly average temperatures. An increase of 1^oC in monthly average temperature can easily mean increases of 4^oC or more on particular days.