Increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were likely to raise temperatures in the tropical and sub-tropical state and also increase the number of downpours, while tropical cyclones may also become more intense, they said. These are the latest findings of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Atmospheric Research, based on research undertaken for the Queensland Government.

By 2010 there would be more than twice the number of hot days between October and March and less than half the cold days from April to September, CSIRO said.

In addition, rainfall was likely to become heavier, although this did not necessarily mean greater annual rainfall, it said.