BOM predicts one of the hottest summers on record with thunderstorms, heatwaves and severe cyclones

Australia is facing one of the hottest summers on record according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) weather modelling which tips well-above-average temperatures across the country.The forecast for a scorching summer is largely due to ongoing high ocean temperatures surrounding Australia, a persistent feature which has plagued most of globe since early last year.The warm seas will not only raise air temperatures, but also boost atmospheric moisture levels, swinging the odds to favour frequent storm outbreaks and above average rain.Our simmering oceans could also lead to the most active cyclone season in years with the BOM expecting around 11 named storms in the Australian region, including an increased risk of severe (category three or above) systems.Summer heat to challenge recordsOf the past six years, the three which were not La Niña periods took the top three spots as Australia’s hottest summers on record, all with mean temperatures more than 1.6 degrees Celsius above the…