'Sobering reading': Australia to experience an increase in extreme weather events

Ongoing climate variability will likely give rise to more frequent short-duration heavy-rainfall events. Picture by CSIRO

Australia's climate has warmed close to 1.5 degrees since records began and the future is hotter and drier, according to a government report reinforcing the need for urgent action on climate change.

The State of the Climate report released every two years, has found changes to weather and climate extremes are happening at an increased pace across Australia.