In a surprising twist to Queensland’s summer, residents have faced a barrage of severe weather events, contrary to the drier conditions typically anticipated under El Niño’s influence. This anomaly has sparked a closer examination of the current El Niño phenomenon and its unexpected outcomes by insurers and experts, notably RACQ and Channel Seven’s meteorologist Tony Auden.
In an interview with RACQ, Auden provided insights into the peculiar nature of this year’s El Niño event.
Auden pointed out that the global climate’s marked warming, partly attributed to climate change, has altered the expected El Niño impact. Instead of experiencing drier conditions, Queensland has seen a series of intense rainfall and cyclonic events.
“This year, the global climate and oceans have heated up significantly, mainly due to climate change, and the developing El Niño itself. This has meant that while the water is warmest well out in the Pacific, our normally cooler water is still warmer than average,” he said. “So, after Australia’s driest September and October on record, something had to give. Since then, Queensland has been battered by severe storms, cyclones Jasper and Kirrily, and extreme rain events.
“While other factors can contribute, these warm oceans are likely the main culprit behind our super-charged summer. And we’ve all felt that extra heat and humidity!”
RACQ has been at the forefront of responding to the challenges posed by this unprecedented weather pattern.
Matt Jarrett, manager of technical claims and event at RACQ, elaborated on the company’s preparedness and response strategies.
“While we had expected the El Niño climate driver to deliver a drier summer, we knew Queensland’s weather is extremely unpredictable and were ready for any type of event,” he said. “It was unusual to have a cyclone so early in the season, with Jasper hitting in mid-December, but RACQ was quick to respond across its insurance, roadside assistance, and bank businesses, ensuring our members were well supported.”
Throughout December 2023, RACQ received 10,039 claims related to damage from severe weather events.
“RACQ has also received 396 insurance claims related to Cyclone Kirrily and 558 from the flooding in SEQ, and our teams are continuing to support members who were impacted by these events,” Jarrett said. “We’re working closely with our building partners to progress claims as quickly and efficiently as possible. There’s still a way to go, but we’ll be here through to the end.”
