Since 1950, the Australian average temperatures have increased by 0.9 °C with significant regional variations. Trends indicate an increase in the number of hot days and nights and a decline in the frequency of cold days and nights.

Since the 1950s most of eastern and south western Australia has experienced substantial rainfall declines, while in contrast, north-west Australia has become wetter (mostly during summer) during this period, both in intensity and frequency.

Global sea levels have risen by around 10cm from 1920-2000 at the Australian coastal sites which are monitored. Substantial warming has also occurred in the three oceans surrounding Australia, particularly off the south-west coast and in the Indian Ocean.