Climate of Australia
Australia's climate is governed mostly by its size and by the hot, sinking air of the
Because Australia is a medium-sized continent, separated from polar regions by the Southern Ocean, it is not subject to movements of frigid polar air during winter, of the type that sweep over the continents in the northern hemisphere during their winter. Consequently, Australia's winter is relatively mild, with less contrast between summer and winter temperatures than in the northern continents–though the transition is more dramatically marked in alpine regions of Australia and places of substantial elevation. Seasonal highs and lows can still be considerable. Temperatures have ranged from above 50 °C (122 °F) to as low as −23.0 °C (−9.4 °F). Minimum temperatures are moderated.
The El Niño–Southern Oscillation is associated with seasonal abnormality in many areas in the world. Australia is one of the continents most affected and experiences extensive droughts alongside considerable wet periods. Occasionally a dust storm will blanket a region and there are reports of the occasional tornado. Tropical cyclones, heat waves, bushfires and frosts in the country are also associated with the Southern Oscillation. Rising levels of salinity and desertification in some areas is ravaging the landscape.
States and territories
Australian Capital Territory
Because of its higher general elevation of over 650 m (2,130 ft), southern latitude and entirely landlocked location, winters are exclusively cool to cold in the Australian Capital Territory.
The highest temperature recorded in the ACT was 44.0 °C (111.2 °F) at Canberra Airport on 4 January 2020.[8] The lowest temperature was −14.6 °C (5.7 °F) at Gudgenby on 11 July 1971.[9]
New South Wales
Over half of
The weather in the southern half of the state is generally warm to hot in summer and cool in the winter. The seasons are more defined in the southern half of the state, especially in the
The warmest region by annual maxima is the
The coldest region is the
The highest maximum temperature recorded was 49.7 °C (121.5 °F) at Menindee in the state's west on 10 January 1939. The lowest minimum temperature was −23.0 °C (−9.4 °F) at Charlotte Pass on 29 June 1994 in the Snowy Mountains. This is also the lowest temperature recorded in the whole of Australia excluding Australian Antarctic Territory.[12]
Rainfall varies throughout the state. The far northwest receives the least, less than 180 mm (7 in) annually, while the east receives between 600 and 1,200 mm (24 and 47 in) of rain.
Place | Climate type | January mean max. temp | January mean min. temp | July mean max. temp | July mean min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albury[13] | Cfa | 31 °C (88 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 4 °C (39 °F) | 108 | 699 mm (28 in) |
Armidale[14]
|
Cfb
|
26 °C (79 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 1 °C (34 °F) | 106[15] | 743 mm (29 in) |
Broken Hill[16] | BWh
|
33 °C (91 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 137 | 245 mm (10 in) |
Charlotte Pass[17] | Dfc
|
18 °C (64 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | −7 °C (19 °F) | 78 | 1,948 mm (77 in) |
Coffs Harbour[18] | Cfa | 27 °C (81 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 122 | 1,668 mm (66 in) |
Orange[19] | Cfb | 27 °C (81 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | 100 | 927 mm (36 in) |
Penrith[20] | Cfa | 31 °C (88 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 103 | 696 mm (27 in) |
Sydney[21] (capital) | Cfa | 27 °C (81 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 104 | 1,150 mm (45 in) |
Wagga Wagga[22] | Cfa | 32 °C (90 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 3 °C (37 °F) | 124 | 566 mm (22 in) |
Wollongong[23] | Cfb | 26 °C (79 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 107 | 1,346 mm (53 in) |
Northern Territory
Average monthly maximum temperature in Northern Territory | ||||
Month | Darwin | Alice Springs | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 31.8 °C (89.2 °F) | 36.4 °C (97.5 °F) | ||
February | 31.4 °C (88.5 °F) | 35.1 °C (95.2 °F) | ||
March | 31.9 °C (89.4 °F) | 32.7 °C (90.9 °F) | ||
April | 32.7 °C (90.9 °F) | 28.2 °C (82.8 °F) | ||
May | 32.0 °C (89.6 °F) | 23.0 °C (73.4 °F) | ||
June | 30.6 °C (87.1 °F) | 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) | ||
July | 30.5 °C (86.9 °F) | 19.7 °C (67.5 °F) | ||
August | 31.3 °C (88.3 °F) | 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) | ||
September | 32.5 °C (90.5 °F) | 27.2 °C (81.0 °F) | ||
October | 33.2 °C (91.8 °F) | 31.0 °C (87.8 °F) | ||
November | 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) | 33.6 °C (92.5 °F) | ||
December | 32.6 °C (90.7 °F) | 35.4 °C (95.7 °F) | ||
Source: Bureau of Meteorology[24][25] |
The Northern Territory has two distinctive climate zones. The northern end, including Darwin, has a tropical savannah climate (Köppen Aw)[26] with high humidity and two seasons, the wet (October to April) and dry season (May to September). During the dry season nearly every day is warm and sunny, and afternoon humidity averages around 30%. There is very little rainfall between May and September. In the coolest months of June and July, the daily minimum temperature may dip as low as 14 °C (57 °F), but very rarely lower, and frost has never been recorded.
The wet season is associated with tropical cyclones and monsoon rains. The majority of rainfall occurs between December and March (the Southern Hemisphere summer), when thunderstorms are common and afternoon relative humidity averages over 70% during the wettest months. On average more than 1,570 mm (62 in) of rain falls in the north. Thunderstorms can produce spectacular lightning displays.
The rest of the territory lies in the desert centre of the country; it includes Alice Springs and Uluru, and is arid or semi-arid with little rain usually falling during the hottest months from October to March. Its seasons are more defined than the northern parts, with summers being very hot, with average temperatures often exceeding 35 °C (95 °F), and winters relatively cool with average minimum temperatures dipping as low as 5 °C (41 °F), with a few frosty nights. Central Australia receives less than 250 mm (10 in) of annual rainfall.
The highest maximum temperature recorded in the territory was 48.3 °C (118.9 °F) at Finke on 1 and 2 January 1960. The lowest minimum temperature was −7.5 °C (18.5 °F) at Alice Springs on 12 July 1976.[12]
Queensland
Because of its size, there is significant variation in climate across the state. Low rainfall and hot summers are typical for the inland west, a monsoonal 'wet' season in the far north, and warm subtropical conditions along the coastal strip. Inland and in southern ranges cooler temperatures are experienced, especially at nights. The climate of the coastal strip is influenced by warm ocean waters, keeping the region free from extremes of temperature and providing moisture for rainfall.[27]
There are five predominant climatic zones in Queensland,[28] based on temperature and humidity:
- hot humid summer (far north and coastal)
- warm humid summer (coastal elevated hinterlands and coastal south-east)
- hot dry summer, mild winter (central west)
- hot dry summer, cold winter (southern west)
- temperate – warm summer, cold winter (inland south-east, e.g. Granite Belt)
However, most of the Queensland populace experience two weather seasons: a winter period of rather warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, and a sultry summer period of hot, sticky temperatures and more rain.
The highest maximum temperature observed in the state is 49.5 °C (121.1 °F) at Birdsville on 24 December 1972. The temperature of 53.1 °C (127.6 °F) at Cloncurry on 16 January 1889 is not considered official; the figure quoted from Birdsville is the next highest, so that record is considered as being official.
The lowest minimum temperature is −10.6 °C (12.9 °F) at Stanthorpe on 23 June 1961 and at The Hermitage on 12 July 1965.[12]
Place | Climate type | January max. temp | January min. temp | July max. Temp | July min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Birdsville[29] | BWh
|
39 °C (102 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 7 °C (45 °F) | 221 | 164 mm (6 in) |
Brisbane[30] (capital) | Cfa | 30 °C (86 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 123 | 1,022 mm (40 in) |
Cairns[31] | Am | 32 °C (90 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 90 | 1,982 mm (78 in) |
Gold Coast[32] | Cfa | 29 °C (84 °F) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | N/A | 1,273 mm (50 in) |
Mackay[33] | Cfa | 30 °C (86 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 123 | 1,610 mm (63 in) |
Mount Isa[34] | BSh
|
37 °C (99 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 175 | 462 mm (18 in) |
Rockhampton[35] | Cfa | 32 °C (90 °F) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 116 | 812 mm (32 in) |
Stanthorpe[36]
|
Cfb
|
27 °C (81 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 1 °C (34 °F) | 42 | 762 mm (30 in) |
Toowoomba[37] | Cfa | 28 °C (82 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 114 | 952 mm (37 in) |
Townsville[38] | Aw | 31 °C (88 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 121 | 1,132 mm (45 in) |
Weipa[39] | Aw | 32 °C (90 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 31 °C (88 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 54 | 1,911 mm (75 in) |
South Australia
The majority of the state has the
South Australia's mean temperature range is 29 °C (84 °F) in January and 15 °C (59 °F) in July. Daily temperatures in parts of the state in January and February can be up to 50 °C (122 °F). The highest maximum temperature was recorded as 50.7 °C (123.3 °F) at Oodnadatta on 2 January 1960, which is the highest official temperature recorded in Australia. The lowest minimum temperature was −8.0 °C (17.6 °F) at Yongala on 20 July 1976.[12]
Place | Climate type | January max. temp | January min. temp | July max. temp | July min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adelaide[41] (capital) | Csa
|
29 °C (84 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 7 °C (45 °F) | 87 | 551 mm (22 in) |
Kingscote[42] | Csb
|
24 °C (75 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 62 | 489 mm (19 in) |
Mount Gambier[43]
|
Csb
|
25 °C (77 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 40 | 710 mm (28 in) |
Oodnadatta[44] | BWh
|
38 °C (100 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 182 | 176 mm (7 in) |
Port Augusta[45] | BWh
|
34 °C (93 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 142 | 218 mm (9 in) |
Stirling[46] | Csb/Cfb
|
25 °C (77 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 71 | 1,107 mm (44 in) |
Whyalla[47] | BSh
|
30 °C (86 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 63 | 267 mm (11 in) |
Tasmania
Tasmania has a cool temperate climate, with most areas under an oceanic climate (Cfb), with four distinct seasons. Summer lasts from December to February when the average maximum sea temperature is 21 °C (70 °F) and inland areas around Launceston reach 24 °C (75 °F). Other inland areas are much cooler; Liawenee, located on the Central Plateau, is one of the coldest places in Australia with February temperatures ranging between 4 and 17 °C (39 and 63 °F). Autumn lasts between March and May and experiences changeable weather, where summer weather patterns gradually take on the shape of winter patterns.[48]
The highest recorded maximum temperature in Tasmania was 42.2 °C (108.0 °F) at
Place | Climate type | January max. temp | January min. temp | July max. temp | July min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Burnie[50]
|
Cfb | 21 °C (70 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 52 | 958 mm (38 in) |
Devonport[51] | Csb
|
21 °C (70 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 56 | 773 mm (30 in) |
Flinders Island[52]
|
Cfb | 22 °C (72 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 47 | 741 mm (29 in) |
Hobart[53] (capital) | Cfb | 22 °C (72 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 41 | 615 mm (24 in) |
King Island[54]
|
Csb
|
21 °C (70 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 20 | 854 mm (34 in) |
Launceston[55] | Cfb | 25 °C (77 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | 50 | 630 mm (25 in) |
Liawenee[56]
|
Csc
|
19 °C (66 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | −2 °C (28 °F) | 22 | 923 mm (36 in) |
Queenstown[57] | Cfb | 21 °C (70 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | 29 | 2,405 mm (95 in) |
St Helens[58] | Cfb | 23 °C (73 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | N/A | 666 mm (26 in) |
Strahan[59] | Cfb | 21 °C (70 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 16 | 1,544 mm (61 in) |
Victoria
Average monthly maximum temperature in Victoria | ||||
Month | Melbourne | Mildura | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 25.8 °C (78.4 °F) | 32.8 °C (91.0 °F) | ||
February | 25.8 °C (78.4 °F) | 32.7 °C (90.9 °F) | ||
March | 23.8 °C (74.8 °F) | 29.3 °C (84.7 °F) | ||
April | 20.2 °C (68.4 °F) | 24.1 °C (75.4 °F) | ||
May | 16.6 °C (61.9 °F) | 19.6 °C (67.3 °F) | ||
June | 14.0 °C (57.2 °F) | 16.0 °C (60.8 °F) | ||
July | 13.4 °C (56.1 °F) | 15.4 °C (59.7 °F) | ||
August | 14.9 °C (58.8 °F) | 17.7 °C (63.9 °F) | ||
September | 17.2 °C (63.0 °F) | 21.1 °C (70.0 °F) | ||
October | 19.6 °C (67.3 °F) | 25.0 °C (77.0 °F) | ||
November | 21.8 °C (71.2 °F) | 29.0 °C (84.2 °F) | ||
December | 24.1 °C (75.4 °F) | 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) | ||
Source: BOM |
Victoria has a varied climate despite its small size. It ranges from semi-arid and hot in the north-west, to temperate and cool along the coast. Victoria's main land feature, the Great Dividing Range, produces a cooler, mountain climate in the centre and east of the state.
The coastal plain south of the Great Dividing Range has Victoria's mildest climate. Regular frontal systems off the Southern Ocean significantly mitigate the heat of summer. Melbourne and other large cities are located in this temperate region.
The
Victoria is the wettest Australian state after Tasmania. Rainfall in Victoria increases from north to south, with higher averages in areas of high altitude. Median annual rainfall exceeds 1,800 mm (71 in) in some parts of the Northeast but is less than 250 mm (10 in) in the Mallee.
Rain is heaviest in the Otway Ranges on the southwest coast and West Gippsland in South-Central Victoria, and in the mountainous Northeast. Snow often falls on the low-lying hilly country in the centre of the state, and on rare occasions may also fall to sea level. Rain falls most frequently in winter, but summer precipitation is heavier. Rainfall is most reliable in Gippsland and the Western District, making them both leading farming areas. Victoria's highest recorded daily rainfall was 375 millimetres (14.8 in) at Tanybryn in the Otway Ranges on 22 March 1983.[12]
Place | Climate type | January max. temp | January min. temp | July max. temp | July min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bairnsdale[62] | Cfb | 26 °C (79 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 4 °C (39 °F) | 60 | 650 mm (26 in) |
Ballarat[63] | Cfb | 25 °C (77 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 3 °C (37 °F) | 55 | 690 mm (27 in) |
Bendigo[64] | Cfa/Cfb | 30 °C (86 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 3 °C (37 °F) | 110 | 514 mm (20 in) |
Falls Creek[65]
|
Cfc
|
18 °C (64 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 1 °C (34 °F) | −3 °C (27 °F) | N/A | 1,274 mm (50 in) |
Geelong[66] | Cfb | 25 °C (77 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 38[67] | 524 mm (21 in) |
Melbourne[68] (capital) | Cfb | 26 °C (79 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 49 | 648 mm (26 in) |
Mildura[69] | BSk | 32 °C (90 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 4 °C (39 °F) | 132 | 291 mm (11 in) |
Portland[70] | Csb/Cfb
|
22 °C (72 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 40 | 840 mm (33 in) |
Shepparton[71] | BSk
|
32 °C (90 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 3 °C (37 °F) | N/A | 452 mm (18 in) |
Warrnambool[72] | Cfb | 22 °C (72 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 53 | 743 mm (29 in) |
Source: BOM – Department of Primary Industries, Australian Natural Resources Atlas
-
Average January temperatures: Victoria's north is always hotter than coastal and mountainous areas.
-
Average July temperatures: Victoria's hills and ranges are coolest during winter. Snow also falls there.
-
Average yearly precipitation: Victoria's rainfall is concentrated in the mountainous north-east and coast.
-
Köppen map of Victoria
Western Australia
Most of Western Australia has a hot arid and semi-arid climate. However, the south-west corner of the state has a Mediterranean climate.[73] The area was originally heavily forested, including large stands of the karri, one of the world's tallest trees. This agricultural region of Western Australia is in the top nine terrestrial habitats for terrestrial biodiversity, with a higher proportion of endemic species than most other equivalent regions. Due to the offshore Leeuwin Current, the area numbers in the top six regions for marine biodiversity, containing the most southerly coral reefs in the world.
Average annual rainfall varies from 300 mm (12 in) at the edge of the Wheatbelt region to 1,400 mm (55 in) in the wettest areas near Northcliffe, the southwesternmost tip of Australia, but in the months of November to March, although rain still falls, evaporation exceeds rainfall and it is generally very dry. Plants must be adapted to this as well as the extreme poverty of all soils. A major reduction in rainfall has been observed, with a greater number of rainfall events in the summer months. The central four-fifths of the state is semi-arid or desert and is lightly inhabited with the only significant activity being mining. Annual rainfall averages about 200 to 250 mm (8 to 10 in), most of which occurs in sporadic torrential falls related to cyclone events in summer months.
An exception to this is the northern tropical regions. The Kimberley has an extremely hot monsoonal climate with average annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 1,500 mm (20 to 59 in), but there is a very long dry season of 7 months from April to November. Eighty-five per cent of the state's runoff occurs in the Kimberley, but because it occurs in violent floods and because of the insurmountable poverty of the generally shallow soils, development has only taken place along the Ord River.
Australia's tropical/subtropical location and cold waters off the western coast make most of Western Australia a hot desert with aridity a marked feature of a greater part of the continent. These cold waters produce precious little moisture needed on the mainland. A 2005 study by Australian and American researchers[74] investigated the desertification of the interior, and suggested that one explanation was related to human settlers who arrived about 50,000 years ago.
Snowfall in the state is rare, and typically only in the Stirling Range near Albany, the southwesternmost point in WA, the only mountain range far enough south and with sufficient elevation. More rarely, snow can fall on the nearby Porongurup Range. Snow outside these areas is a major event; it usually occurs in hilly areas of south-western Australia. The most widespread low-level snow occurred on 26 June 1956 when snow was reported in the Perth Hills, as far north as Wongan Hills and as far east as Salmon Gums. However, even in the Stirling Range, snowfalls rarely exceed 5 cm (2 in) and rarely settle for more than one day.[75]
The highest observed maximum temperature of 50.7 °C (123.3 °F) was recorded at Onslow on 13 January 2022. The lowest minimum temperature recorded was −7.2 °C (19.0 °F) at Eyre Bird Observatory on 17 August 2008.[12]
Place | Climate type | January max. temp | January min. temp | July max. temp | July min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany[76] | Csb
|
23 °C (73 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 45 | 929 mm (37 in) |
Broome[77] | BSh
|
33 °C (91 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 29 °C (84 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 182 | 613 mm (24 in) |
Eucla[78] | BSk
|
26 °C (79 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 7 °C (45 °F) | 94 | 274 mm (11 in) |
Geraldton[79] | BSh
|
32 °C (90 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 164 | 441 mm (17 in) |
Kalgoorlie[80] | BSk
|
34 °C (93 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 151 | 266 mm (10 in) |
Karratha[81] | BSh
|
36 °C (97 °F) | 27 °C (81 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 158 | 297 mm (12 in) |
Perth[82] (capital) | Csa
|
30 °C (86 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 131 | 868 mm (34 in) |
Wyndham[83] | BSh
|
37 °C (99 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 31 °C (88 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 176 | 824 mm (32 in) |
Distant Australian islands
Island(s) | Climate type | Coordinates | January max. temp | January min. temp | July max. temp | July min. temp | No. clear days | Annual precipitation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Christmas Island[84] | Am | 10°25′18″S 105°40′41″E / 10.42167°S 105.67806°E | 28 °C (82 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 8 | 2,199 mm (87 in) |
Cocos (Keeling) Islands[85] | Am | 12°07′S 96°54′E / 12.117°S 96.900°E | 30 °C (86 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 28 °C (82 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | N/A | 1,984 mm (78 in) |
Lord Howe Island[86] | Cfa | 31°33′15″S 159°05′06″E / 31.55417°S 159.08500°E | 25 °C (77 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 68 | 1,464 mm (58 in) |
Macquarie Island[87] | ET | 54°30′0″S 158°57′0″E / 54.50000°S 158.95000°E | 9 °C (48 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | 4 | 993 mm (39 in) |
Norfolk Island[88] | Cfa | 29°02′S 167°57′E / 29.03°S 167.95°E | 25 °C (77 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 41 | 1,286 mm (51 in) |
Willis Island[89] | Aw | 16°17′15″S 149°57′52″E / 16.28750°S 149.96444°E | 31 °C (88 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 67 | 1,102 mm (43 in) |
Precipitation
Rain
More than 80% of Australia has an annual rainfall of less than 600 mm (24 in); among the continents, only Antarctica receives less rainfall.[91] A place inland near Lake Eyre (in South Australia) would only receive 81 mm (3 in) of rain annually.[92] Another place, Troudaninna Bore (29°11′44″S 138°59′28″E / 29.19556°S 138.99111°E, altitude : 46 m) in South Australia, from 1893 to 1936, received, in average, 104.9 mm (4.13 inches) of precipitation.[93] From one extreme to another, parts of the far North Queensland coast annually average over 4,000 mm (157 in), with the Australian annual record being 12,461 mm (491 in), set at the summit of Mount Bellenden Ker in 2000. Four factors contribute to the dryness of the Australian landmass:
- Cold ocean currents off the west coast
- Low elevation of landforms
- Dominance of high-pressure systems
- Shape of the landmass
The average annual rainfall in the Australian desert is low, ranging from 81 to 250 mm (3 to 10 in). Thunderstorms are relatively common in the region, with an annual average of 15 to 20 thunderstorms.[94] Summer daytime temperatures range from 32 to 40 °C (90 to 104 °F); winter temperatures run 18 to 23 °C (64 to 73 °F).
The southern parts of Australia get the usual
The tropical areas of northern Australia have a wet summer because of the monsoon. During "the wet", typically October to April, humid north-westerly winds bring showers and thunderstorms. Occasionally, tropical cyclones can bring heavy rainfall to tropical coastal regions, which is also likely to reach further inland. After the monsoonal season, the dry season comes ("winter"), which brings mostly clear skies and milder conditions.
Rainfall records tend to be concentrated along the east coast of Australia, particularly in tropical north Queensland. The highest 24‑hour rainfall on record in Australia was 907.0 millimetres (35.7 in) in Crohamhurst on 3 February 1893.[97] The highest monthly rainfall on record was 5,387.0 millimetres (212.1 in) recorded at Mount Bellenden Ker, Queensland in January 1979.[97] The highest annual rainfall was 12,461.0 millimetres (490.6 in) recorded also at Mount Bellenden Ker in 2000.[97] Additionally, the location which receives the highest average annual rainfall in Australia is Babinda in Queensland with an annual average of 4,279.4 millimetres (168.5 in).[98]
Cold ocean currents off the coast of Western Australia result in little evaporation occurring. Hence, rain clouds are sparsely formed and rarely do they form long enough for a continuous period of rain to be recorded. Australia's arid/semi-arid zone extends to this region. The absence of any significant mountain range or area of substantial height above sea level, results in very little rainfall caused by orographic uplift. In the east the Great Dividing Range limits rain moving into inland Australia.
Australia has a compact shape, and no significant bodies of water penetrate very far inland. This is important in as much as moist winds are prevented from penetrating inland, so keeping rainfall low.[99]
Snow
In Australia, snow falls frequently on the highlands of the southeast, in the states of
Snow at sea level is occasionally recorded on mainland Australia (namely in southwestern and south-central Victoria), but is more frequent in western Tasmania where snowfalls at sea level can occur nigh to annually during the winter months; and in the extreme event of November 2021, snow was recorded to sea level on
Light snow generally falls once every few winters in Canberra and somewhat more regularly in the cities of
The occasional cold snap, caused by cold air drifting north from Antarctica, can cause significant snowfall in rural areas, as well as major cities such as Hobart, Melbourne's outer mountain suburbs and
Temperatures
The tropical savannah zone of Northern Australia is warm to hot all year. Summers are hot in most of the country with average January maximum temperatures exceeding 30 °C over most of the mainland, except for high elevations. Winters are warm in the north and cool in the south, with nightly frosts common in inland areas south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Only at the highly elevated areas do wintertime temperatures approach those found in much of Europe or North America, especially the southern parts.
Temperatures in Australia have followed an
Average minimum temperatures in all seasons are highest in northern Australia and near the coastal areas, and are lowest in the elevated areas of the south-east. The highest average January minimum temperatures (near 27 °C) are found near the north-west coast, while in winter they exceed 20 °C at some coastal locations in northern Australia and on the Torres Strait and Tiwi Islands. In the mountains of New South Wales, it is not unusual to have average low minimum temperatures dipping below 5 °C in January and −5 °C in July. Comparatively, most inland (non-mountainous) areas south of the tropics have average July minimum between 0 and 6 °C.
In the desert, the dry air and clear skies give rather large ranges in temperature between day and night. Ranges of 15 °C being typical and 20 °C not quite unusual. Light nighttime frosts in winter occur over much of the southern half of the arid zone, where mean July minimum temperatures are mostly in the 3 to 6 °C range. Moving north, frosts become increasingly rare, with mean July minimum being around 10 °C on the northern boundary.
The highest maximums in Australia are recorded in two regions, the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of north-western Western Australia and the area extending from south-western Queensland across South Australia into south-eastern Western Australia. Many locations in this region have recorded temperatures exceeding 48 °C. In January, average maximum temperatures exceed 35 °C over a large area of the interior and exceed 40 °C over areas in the north-west. The highest summer maximums in the Pilbara and Gascoyne average at around 41 °C (in some years daily maximums consecutively exceed 40 °C for several weeks at a time).
Extremes
The most powerful
Many other locations in Australia, except those above 500 metres, have extreme maximums between 43 and 48 °C. Most Tasmanian sites away from the north coast have had extreme maximums between 35 and 40 °C. The lowest extreme maximums are found along the north coast of Tasmania (e.g. 29.5 °C at
At lower elevations, most inland places south of the tropics have extreme minimum between −3 and −7 °C, and these low temperatures have also occurred in locations within a few kilometres of southern and eastern coasts, such as Sale, Victoria (−5.6 °C), Bega, New South Wales (−8.1 °C), Grove, Tasmania (−7.5 °C) and Taree, New South Wales (−5.0 °C). Many locations in this region have recorded −10 °C or lower, including Gudgenby in the Australian Capital Territory (−14.6 °C) and Woolbrook, New South Wales (−14.5 °C). In the desert, the lowest extreme minimum occur at high elevations, especially around Alice Springs, where the temperature has fallen as low as −7.5 °C.
In the tropics, extreme minimum near or below 0 °C have occurred at many places distant from the coast, as far north as
A list of extremes can be found in the tables below:
Absolute temperature ranges | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Maximum temperatures | Minimum temperatures | ||||
°C | °F | location and date | °C | °F | location and date | |
January | 50.7 | 123.3 |
Oodnadatta, South Australia (2 January 1960)[111] |
−7.7 | 18.1 |
Thredbo Ski Resort, New South Wales (24 January 2000)[113] |
February | 50.5 | 122.9 | −7.0 | 19.4 |
Perisher Ski Resort, New South Wales (17 February 1979)[115] | |
March | 48.5 | 119.3 |
Emu Creek Station, Western Australia (11 March 2019)[116] |
−7.2 | 19.0 |
Kiandra, New South Wales (25 March 1964)/Bullocks Flat, New South Wales (31 March 1988)[117] |
April | 45.0 | 113.0 |
Port Hedland, Western Australia (1 April 1948)/Marble Bar, Western Australia (2 April 1928)[118] |
−13.0 | 8.6 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (29 April 2009)[115] |
May | 40.6 | 105.1 |
Bidyadanga, Western Australia (6 May 1990)[119] |
−13.4 | 7.9 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (24 May 2008)[120] |
June | 37.8 | 100.0 | −23.0 | −9.4 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (29 June 1994)[122] | |
July | 37.6 | 99.7 |
Wyndham, Western Australia (19 July 1996)[123] |
−19.6 | −3.3 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (20 July 2010)[124] |
August | 41.2 | 106.2 |
West Roebuck, Western Australia (23 August 2020)[125] |
−20.6 | −5.1 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (14 August 1968)[126] |
September | 43.1 | 109.6 |
West Roebuck, Western Australia (27 September 2003)[125] |
−16.7 | 1.9 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (20 September 1967)[127] |
October | 46.9 | 116.4 |
Port Hedland, Western Australia (22 October 2002)[128] |
−12.0 | 10.4 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (29 October 2006)[129] |
November | 48.7 | 119.7 |
Birdsville, Queensland (17 November 1990)[130] |
−9.4 | 15.1 |
Charlotte Pass, New South Wales (26 November 1968)[131] |
December | 49.9 | 121.8 | −9.0 | 15.8 |
Thredbo Ski Resort, New South Wales (13 December 1976)[133] |
Climate data for Australia | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 50.7 (123.3) |
50.5 (122.9) |
48.1 (118.6) |
45.0 (113.0) |
40.6 (105.1) |
37.8 (100.0) |
37.6 (99.7) |
41.2 (106.2) |
43.1 (109.6) |
46.9 (116.4) |
48.7 (119.7) |
49.9 (121.8) |
50.7 (123.3) |
Record low °C (°F) | −7.7 (18.1) |
−7.0 (19.4) |
−7.2 (19.0) |
−13.0 (8.6) |
−13.4 (7.9) |
−23.0 (−9.4) |
−19.6 (−3.3) |
−20.6 (−5.1) |
−16.7 (1.9) |
−12.0 (10.4) |
−9.4 (15.1) |
−9.0 (15.8) |
−23.0 (−9.4) |
Source: Bureau of Meteorology, Australian Government[134] |
Natural hazards and disasters
Bushfires
Climatic factors contribute to Australia's high incidence of bushfires, particularly during the summer months. Low
Many of the worst bushfires in eastern Australia, such as the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, accompany El Niño–Southern Oscillation events which tend to cause a warm, dry and windy climate.[136]
The worst bushfires in Australian history occurred during the
Prior to this, the worst had been the Black Saturday fires in February to March 2009, causing 173 deaths and destroying over 2000 homes in Victoria.[139]
Dust storms
A dust storm or sandstorm, a meteorological phenomenon common in arid and semi-arid regions, arises when a gust front passes or when the wind force exceeds the threshold value where loose sand and dust are removed from the dry surface. Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, causing soil erosion from one place and deposition in another.
Sandstorm usually refers to dust storms in desert areas when, in addition to fine particles obscuring visibility, a considerable amount of larger sand particles moves closer to the surface. The term dust storm is more likely to be used when finer particles are blown long distances, especially when the dust storm affects urban areas.
Drought
Drought in Australia is defined by rainfall over a three-month period being in the lowest ten per cent of amounts having been recorded for that region in the past.[140] This definition takes into account that low rainfall is a relative term and rainfall deficiencies need to be compared to typical rainfall patterns including seasonal variations. Specifically drought in Australia is defined in relation to a rainfall deficiency of pastoral leases and is determined by decile analysis applied to a certain area.[141]
Historical climatic records are now sufficiently reliable to profile climate variability taking into account expectations for regions.[142] State Governments are responsible for declaring a region drought affected and the declaration will take into account factors other than rainfall.[140]
Flooding
Though most of Australia is arid or semi-arid, some regions have very significant rainfall. The Wet Tropics in northeast Queensland as well as the western half of Tasmania both average over 1400mm (55 in) of rainfall annually, sometimes much higher. As a result, the former has some of Australia's only tropical rainforest, while the latter features extensive temperate rainforests where floods can occur at any time.
Through
West of the Great Dividing Range, higher than average rainfall may be related to a negative
The Top End, Kimberley and much of North and Far North Queensland are affected by the Australian monsoon (wet season) which brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, tropical cyclones (see below) and frequent flooding from November to April, making many unsealed roads impassable for part of the year. As a result, these regions are feature extensive tropical savannah.
Snowfall
Blizzards are not common in mainland Australia, but occur frequently in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales and Victoria. When blizzards do occur, they can affect the Tasmanian Highlands and, particularly, Mount Wellington, which towers over the Tasmanian capital Hobart. Blizzards do not affect any major towns or cities, because there are no populated areas located in the mountains except for the ski resort towns of New South Wales and Victoria.
Tornadoes
In Australia, a tornado is also known as a twister or willy-willy. The earliest recorded tornado in Australia was in 1795. The country experiences about 60 tornadoes per year.[143]
Tropical cyclones
Australia is affected by tropical cyclones which primarily occur between December and April but have occasionally developed in November and May.[144] Cyclones over mainland Australia occur on average five to six times each year.[91] The regions between Broome and Exmouth are most prone to cyclones.[145] Tropical cyclones are known to bring destructive winds, heavy rain with flooding creating storm surges along the coast, causing inundation to low-lying areas. The strongest Australian region cyclone was 2006's Cyclone Monica, with gusts topping 350 km/h (220 mph). Cyclones can also move inland, decaying to rain depressions, dumping heavy rain and causing flooding.[146]
The worst cyclones of Australia have caused billions of dollars of damage and many deaths. Cyclone Tracy crossed directly over Darwin in 1974, killing 71 persons. It was Australia's most damaging cyclone.[147] Cyclone Mahina in 1899 brought a storm surge to Far North Queensland reaching 13 metres (43 ft) high, causing 400 deaths and making it the worst natural disaster to befall Australia.[148] Cyclone Larry struck North Queensland and passed over Innisfail in 2006 causing damages estimated at A$1.5 billion. However, there were no deaths in that storm. Cyclone Yasi caused severe flooding and had a total estimated cost of A$3.5 billion making it the second-most costliest cyclone to strike Australia.[147]
Climate change
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Australia has experienced an increase of over 1.4 °C in average annual temperatures,
Climate change is affecting the continent's environment and ecosystems. Australia is vulnerable to the effects of global warming projected for the next 50 to 100 years because of its extensive arid and semi-arid areas, and already warm climate, high annual rainfall variability. The continent's high fire risk increases this susceptibility to changes in temperature and climate. Meanwhile, Australia's coastlines will experience erosion and inundation from an estimated 8–88 cm increase in global sea level. Australia's unique ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef and many animal species are also at risk.
Climate change also has diverse implications for Australia's economy, agriculture and public health.[156] Projected impacts include more severe floods, droughts, and cyclones.[157] Furthermore, Australia's population is highly concentrated in coastal areas at risk from rising sea levels, and existing pressures on water supply will be exacerbated. The exposure of Indigenous Australians to climate change impacts is exacerbated by existing socio-economic disadvantages which are linked to colonial and post-colonial marginalisation.[150] The communities most affected by climate changes are those in the North where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 30% of the population.[158] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities located in the coastal north are the most disadvantaged due to social and economic issues and their reliance on traditional land for food, culture, and health. This has raised the question for many community members in these areas, "Should we stay or move away?"[158]
Australia is also a contributor to climate change, with its
See also
- Indigenous Australian seasons
- List of wettest known tropical cyclones in Australia
- Weather extremes in Australia, an index of extreme Australian weather articles
- Effects of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in Australia
- Australian monsoon
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