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Entertainment

Unraveling the Surge: Understanding the Intensity of Sudden Downpours in Eastern Australia

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Sudden Downpours in Eastern Australia

Unraveling the Surge: Understanding the Intensity of Sudden Downpours in Eastern Australia

 

During the Christmas of 2023, instead of joy and goodwill, many Australians experienced torrential storms and flash floods, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. The Insurance Council of Australia reported over 46,000 insurance claims related to extreme weather events, pointing to a significant impact on communities. The key question arises: why are these sudden downpours becoming more intense?

Climate Change’s Hand in Intensifying Downpours

Australia has warmed by nearly 1.5°C since 1910, and a warmer atmosphere can hold more water. For every 1°C of warming, the atmosphere can accommodate about 7% more moisture, as per the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. While total daily rainfall aligns with expectations from warming, the intensity of hourly rainfall is on a different trajectory.

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Studies reveal that hourly rainfall across Australia is increasing at about double or even triple the rate predicted by the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The number of storms might be decreasing in some regions, but the ones that do occur are dumping more rain. Extreme downpours, like those experienced before Christmas, are attributed to a warming planet.

Sudden Downpours in Eastern Australia

The Science Behind the Downpours

Dr. Kimberley Reid, a climate scientist, explains that short-duration downpours are influenced by the amount of moisture in the air and a weather system capable of lifting and condensing it into rain. While climate change is increasing the thermodynamics, changing weather systems’ behavior remains less certain.

Dr. Richard Matear from the CSIRO emphasises the complexity of attributing specific events to global heating due to the chaotic nature of weather systems. Extreme rainfall is a natural feature of the Australian climate, making it challenging to discern the impact of global warming. However, there’s evidence that global heating influences rainfall extremes over longer timeframes.

Increasing Risk and Future Preparedness

Despite the expectation of a drier summer due to El Niño, unexpected downpours occurred, possibly influenced by shifting westerly winds and a changing Southern Annular Mode. The increasing intensity of rainfall over short timeframes raises concerns about flash flooding, particularly in urban areas. Drainage networks and culverts are crucial but may be operating beyond their design capacity.

Experts recommend updating Australian design standards to consider a 15% increase in the intensity of sub-daily extreme rain for every degree of global heating. Ongoing efforts by the federal government to update guidelines for major infrastructure projects, including drainage and roads, reflect the need to adapt to the changing environment.

The Christmas storms in 2023 serve as a stark reminder of the evolving climate patterns, urging communities and policymakers to enhance preparedness and infrastructure resilience to withstand the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events.

 

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Blues on Broadbeach

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Blues on Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach

 

Returning for its 23rd year, Blues on Broadbeach is set to transform the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues haven from May 16-19, 2024!

The festival will feature over 65 international and local artists across 16 indoor and outdoor stages, promising an abundance of live rhythm & blues over the four-day event.

The festival program and app are now live, so you can start planning your experience today! A highlight of the festival will be US headliner Melissa Etheridge, who is set to deliver a rocking two-hour show on Saturday night.

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Other international stars making their way to the festival include Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic, Eric Bibb, Hi Rhythm Section with Boo Mitchell, and Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, all renowned figures in the contemporary blues scene.

The festival will also showcase plenty of national and local talent, including festival favourite 8 Ball Aitken & Friends, who will host a special All-Star Blues Jam on Sunday, May 19. Gold Coast’s own Karl S. Williams will open for Melissa Etheridge on Saturday night.

A new addition this year is the Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket, featuring New Zealand’s electronic-reggae-soul pioneers Fat Freddy’s Drop, alongside Tijuana Cartel and BOOMCHILD, who will perform exclusively at Kurrawa Park on Sunday, May 19.

With VIP tickets already sold out, be sure to secure your ticket soon to expand your Blues on Broadbeach experience! Beyond the six outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct, 10 Partnered Venues will also offer live music, allowing you to enjoy a meal or drink without missing any of the festival’s packed programming.

With so much happening from May 16-19, don’t miss out on your favourite acts! Download the Blues on Broadbeach 2024 festival app from the App Store or Google Play to create your personalised schedule.

EVENT DETAILS:

  • When: 16th – 19th of May
  • Where: Broadbeach
  • Tickets: Available here.

 

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ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

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ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

 

One of Australia’s leading blues musician, Ash Grunwald, has announced a nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Life Without You.”

This laid-back track, which explores the themes of enduring love and appreciation for one’s partner, is a collaboration with Garrett Kato, renowned for his work with Tones & I’s “Dance Monkey” and numerous releases by Ziggy Alberts. The song’s emotional depth is sure to resonate with listeners.

Ash Grunwald has long been an inspiration, encouraging a generation to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, “surfing by day and jamming by night”.

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His illustrious career has seen him share stages with legends like James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among many others. He has captivated audiences at sold-out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America.

Grunwald’s impressive discography includes six Australian Top-50 albums, and he has been recognised with numerous accolades: five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA Awards, and the Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.

Don’t miss the chance to see Australia’s most dynamic blues performer live at The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah. This tour promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing Ash Grunwald’s exceptional talent and his latest musical endeavours.

Be sure to catch this tour and witness the captivating performances of an artist who has significantly shaped the Australian blues scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, Ash Grunwald’s tour is an event not to be missed.

EVENT DETAILS:

  • When: Fri 24th May, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Where: The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
  • Price: $50+BF
  • Tickets: Available here.

 

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Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

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Monopoly Board Games

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

 

A classic game night is the epitome of a cosy evening spent indoors, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking to refresh your game cupboard or considering board games as thoughtful gifts, exploring the right options can enhance these lively gatherings. From strategic board games that challenge the mind to light-hearted party games that bring out the laughs, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into a selection of excellent games that are perfect for family game night, ensuring hours of entertainment and cherished memories with loved ones.

The game of life

College, marriage, kids, insurance! What a way to learn about being an adult while adding fun to the mix! In the Game of Life, each player navigates through various life stages using a plastic car on the game board, from choosing a college to settling into retirement.

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The goal of the game is to traverse life by making wise decisions, aiming to retire first and with the most wealth. It’s an excellent game for teaching children about life’s lessons in a fun and accessible manner. Playing this game as a family not only promises enjoyable moments but also ignites meaningful conversations.

Product Details:

  • Number of Players: Two to four
  • Recommended Age: 8 and up
  • Playing Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Monopoly

The first official Monopoly game was released in 1935, and it has been cultivating real estate moguls ever since. This board game involves both risk and chance as players purchase and trade properties while trying to avoid jail.

Players can buy properties if they have the necessary funds and can generate income by charging rent to other players who land on their properties. The objective of the game is to bankrupt your opponents, which can be a lengthy process. The strategy is to acquire enough properties in the same area to create a monopoly, making it difficult for other players to afford rent, ultimately leading to their bankruptcy.

Product Details:

  • Number of Players: Two to six
  • Recommended Age: 8 and up
  • Playing Time: One to two hours

Cards Against Humanity

When playing Cards Against Humanity, forget about maintaining decorum. The game features black cards with open-ended prompts and white cards filled with a mix of humorous, risqué, and bizarre phrases.

In each round, a player takes on the role of the judge and selects a black card to present to the group. The other players then choose one of their white cards that best complements the prompt and hand it to the judge. The judge mixes these submissions and reads them aloud, ultimately picking a favourite based on their appeal.

This game is strictly for adults, designed to provoke laughter. You can enjoy it just for the fun or keep score with points for each round’s winning card to find out who excels at pushing boundaries.

Product Details:

  • Number of Players: Four to 20
  • Recommended Age: 18 and up
  • Playing Time: 30 to 90 minutes

UNO

To play this engaging family game, all you need is an Uno card deck. It doesn’t require any additional pieces like marbles or spinners, making it easy to clean up and perfect for travel.

The Uno deck consists of 108 cards, with 25 cards in each of four colours and eight special action cards, such as Skip and Reverse. Players match cards from their hands to the card in the centre of the game by colour or number. They draw new cards from the deck until none remain. When a player is down to one card, they shout “Uno!”—a highlight of the game. Winning also traditionally involves a celebratory dance, adding to the fun.

Product Details:

  • Number of Players: Two to 10
  • Recommended Age: 7 and up
  • Playing Time: 30 minutes or less

 

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