Australian growers worried by early onset of dry weather

Hot weather across Australia is causing anxiety to wine growers, due to the rising cost of irrigation and the increased risk of fire. This year has seen an early, hot spring across the country, and one of the strongest El Nino systems ever declared, according to the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI). This weather system is one of the most important climate drivers in Australia and is typified by reduced rainfall, warmer temperatures, a shift in temperature extremes and increased risk of frost.