Andrew B. Watkins

(He/Him)
  • Adjunct Professor (Practice) in the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University
Australia will probably see fewer tropical cyclones reaching land this season. AAP Image/Bureau of Meteorology

Australia could see fewer cyclones, but more heat and fire risk in coming months

Southern and eastern Australia need to prepare for heatwaves and increased fire risk this summer, as forecasts predict hot, dry weather.
Antarctic winds have a huge effect on weather in other places. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Flickr

The air above Antarctica is suddenly getting warmer – here’s what it means for Australia

Each spring, winds circling the South Pole weaken. If they weaken enough, they can actually reverse – causing rapid warming.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s tropical cyclone outlook is out today. AAP Image/Bureau of Meteorology, Japan Meteorological Agency

Trust Me, I’m An Expert: Cyclone season approacheth, but this year there’s a twist

Cyclone season approacheth, but this year there’s a twist The Conversation, CC BY31.4 MB (download)
Australia must come to terms with some fundamental shifts in our weather patterns. This month, Andrew Watkins from the BOM and climate scientist Joelle Gergis explore what's in store.
Australia’s cyclone season lies ahead. NASA / ESRSU / Seán Doran

Trust Me, I’m An Expert: Australia’s extreme weather

October teaser: Australia’s extreme weather The Conversation, CC BY1.5 MB (download)
Are our extremes moving past historical precendent into uncharted territory, or is this life as usual on a changeable continent?
It’s more important to know whether there’ll be any weather than what the weather will be. Photo by Loren Gu on Unsplash

The BOM outlook for the weather over the next three months is ‘neutral’ – here’s what that really means

The Bureau of Meteorology’s climate outlook for April to June is ‘neutral’, but that doesn’t mean we’re flying blind, weather-wise.
The air doesn’t like to be under pressure just like us. The wind is the result of the air trying to escape from high pressure. Mami Kempe / The Conversation

Curious Kids: What causes windy weather?

Wind is just air moving from one place where there is high pressure to another place where there is low pressure.
Nice weather if you’re into skiing, or being really cold. AAP Image/Progressive PR, Mount Buller Ski Resort, Andrew Railton

Is the tropical Indian Ocean to blame for southern Australia’s wet winter?

The Indian Ocean Dipole may be El Nino’s less famous cousin, but that hasn’t stopped it having a profound effect on Australia’s weather since it flipped into a “strong negative phase” two months ago.
Australia’s mountains may be small but each year they deliver enough snow for winter sports. Andrew Watkins

When is it going to snow? Getting a fix on what can make a good season

Australia’s snow season is notoriously fickle - so what determines whether we’ll get a good fall?
Rural southern Australia has been drying out over the past several decades. Pictured here, Burra in South Australia. David Jones

Hasta la vista El Niño – but don’t hold out for ‘normal’ weather just yet

Australia is the land of drought of flooding rains, driven by events such as El Nino. But despite this variability, some parts of Australia are clearly drying out.

Contact Andrew for

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