Unearthing Australia’s climate history

“A most beautiful, and as far as South Australia is concerned, a rare phenomenon, was witnessed here last Thursday morning. At day break, and until after noon. Mount Lofty and the neighbouring mountains were seen covered with snow. The effect was most striking. It would seem as though we had exchanged, during the night, our own mountains for those of Switzerland.”
–Adelaide Independent and Cabinet of Amusement, 12 August 1841.

FEW PEOPLE REALISE that snow was once a common occurrence for southern Australia’s climate.

Historical records help document impacts of past weather extremes such as heatwaves, floods, droughts and even snow. Now scientists are using these fascinating resources to uncover more about Australia’s climate history and also shed light on modern severe weather events. A clearer understanding of Australia’s climatic past lies buried in colonial-era records and documents