Extreme heat and bushfires are remaking the Australian summer

Rising temperatures are making summer dangerous and unpredictable. Instead of looking forward to it, Australians increasingly dread the season. Some worry extreme weather will harm summer tourism long-term.

Why it mattersSummer defines Australian life and supports economies in beach towns. If extreme weather makes the season feel threatening, communities lose income and identity.

AustraliaRegional towns relying on summer visitors face repeated economic shocks from fires and heat. Australians' sense of the year's best time is shifting from joy to apprehension.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago

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Aerial view of coastal town with beachfront residential development and ocean waves.

✓ The Guardian AustraliaPlanet & Environment

267,000 Australian homes at risk from rising seas by 2100

The Climate Council projects more than 267,000 coastal properties will face damage from flooding by end of century.

Why it mattersHundreds of billions in property damage and lost land affects property values, insurance costs, and whether people can stay in coastal areas.