Weather in Australia 2023 and up

[Mark]

Parched areas of southwest WA have finally seen some rain this week, with Wandering recording its highest May rainfall in more than 82 years and the most rainfall the town has seen in 13 months. 


The rain event began on Wednesday, with Bunbury recording a 2-day total of 55 mm to 9am on Friday, May 3, which is the most rain the town has seen since August 2023 and a 3 year high for May. Cowaramup also saw their largest rainfall totals in two and a half years, with 60 mm recorded during the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday, May 2.


The rainfall intensified on Thursday as severe thunderstorms and a cold front swept across the region, with some towns recording more than 100 mm of rain in a day in the southwest of the state.

https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/heaviest-may-rainfall-in-82-years-recorded-in-wa-town/1889376

[Mark]

Australia's "warmest winter on record" is being preluded by a polar outbreak across the nation's south-east.

As per the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures will hold above average across Australia this May to July, which could result in the warmest winter ever recorded (by the Bureau’s own inaccurate and heat-skewed network of weather stations).

This week's Antarctic cold hit Tasmania the hardest, where temperatures dipped below the freezing mark in several regions.

Mt Wellington, above Hobart, hit -1.8C (28.8F). While up north, the coastal city of Devonport shivered through its coldest temperature this early into the year for more than two decades, since 2003, with a low of 3.8C (38.8F).

It looks a mixed bag for the Aussie continent as May progresses. Though the cold anomalies could win-out by the third week (to be taken with a pinch of salt this far out):
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/australia-shivers-spring-snow-continues

[Mark]

Australia can be the hottest place in the world at the height of summer, but in April 2024 the country was an island of abnormally cold weather amid a sea of record-breaking global heat.


Data released this week by Berkeley Earth shows that Earth’s global average air temperature in April 2024 was 1.67 ± 0.11°C above the 1850 to 1900 average. This was the highest April average temperature on record, beating the previous record from 2020 by 0.14°C.


Last month continued a prolonged run of record-breaking global heat that has been going on uninterrupted since June 2023, with April becoming the 11th consecutive month to set a new monthly global average temperature record.


Against this backdrop of unrivalled global warmth, it was surprising to see Australia register its first cooler-than-average April in nine years


https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/australias-coldest-april-since-2015-during-earths-warmest-april-on-record/1889427

[Mark]

Many parts of South Australia have posted their coldest May mornings on record this week.

Wednesday was the chilliest day so far...

Kadina dipped to -0.8C/30.6F (breaking it’s previous May low of 0.1C set in 2021); Robe saw -2C/28.4F (beating its old record of -1.3C from 2006); Roseworthy to -1.4C/29.5F (breaking its low of -0.4c set during the May of 1967); Cummins shivered through -1.6C/29.1F (smashing it’s previous low of 0.8C set in 2023); and Wudinna posted -1.5C/29.3F (besting the -1.2C set May 21, 2022).

Additional record monthly lows include the 0.3C/32.5F at Edinburgh (which broke the old 1985 record in books dating back to 1972), and the -2.6C/27.3F at Nuriootpa (which is 0.5C below the previous record dating back to 1996).

The state government activated a 'Code Blue' extreme weather warning in response to the freeze, covering the likes of Far West Coast, Copper Coast, Clare Valley, Riverland, Murraylands, Upper Spencer Gulf, Kangaroo Island, and Limestone Coast.

Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook, said: "These Code Blue responses help people experiencing homelessness who are most affected by extreme winter weather to remain warm and safe. I encourage rough sleepers, or anyone who knows a rough sleeper, to call Homeless Connect SA -- these services are here to help."

https://electroverse.substack.com/p/record-may-cold-hits-south-australia

[Mark]

Millions are facing a wet, windy weekend as a cloudband stretching thousands of kilometres moves over eastern Australia.
The cloudband already delivered more than 100mm of rain to parts of south-eastern Australia on Thursday and into Friday morning, Weatherzone said.
"This enormous stream of tropical moisture and two low pressure systems will now cause rain and storms over a broad area of eastern and southeastern Australia from Friday into the weekend."
READ MORE: Fewer Aussies getting the flu shot, amid fears of GP fallout

A major cloudband stretching thousands of kilometres will bring rain and windy conditions to multiple states. (Weatherzone)
Wind and rain are forecast to ease in Tasmania today, but wet and blustery conditions will persist in parts of New South Wales and Queensland.
A low pressure system is still forecast to develop off the NSW coast today and deepen on Sunday, Weatherzone said.
However, the earlier indications it would develop into a powerful east coast low are unlikely to bear fruit.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/wet-weather-rain-storms-forecast-south-east-australia/2bb79e89-731d-4302-b3e7-d0bf10a4933a

[Mark]

Parts of Australia have been shivering in recent weeks, some set records in May.

According to the books and as reported by wangarattachronicle.com.au, the city of Wangaratta, Victoria endured its coldest May mornings in at least 70 years.

Last month, Wangaratta posted a total of seven days with minimums below -3C (26.6F). This made for a new record in books dating back to the 1950s, comfortably breaking the old benchmark of five days below -3C set during the May of 2006.

The city also registered its coldest-ever May low: the -4.1C (24.6F) on May 19.

May's anomalies are continuing into June for many.

The new week looks chilly, with additional record lows on the cards for some:

https://electroverse.substack.com/p/coldest-may-lows-in-70-years-hit

[Mark]

Eastern Australia's unusual chill has busted a 32-year record in Queensland and also blanketed a 640 km (400 mile) stretch of the state in frost, reports couriermail.com.au.

On Sunday, Brisbane Airport recorded 2.6C (36.7F), the coldest June temperature since 1992. The Scenic Rim and Darling Downs regions saw temperatures plunge to -5C (23F) and beyond, setting new monthly record lows for June.

The frost extended over 640km, reaching as far north as Mackay and covering the Darling Downs, Burnett, and Wide Bay regions. Such extensive frost coverage is highly unusual for Queensland, with its northern reaches enjoying a tropical climate.

Meteorologists are attributing this ongoing 'cold snap' to clear skies, dry air, and light winds, which allowed temperatures to drop significantly overnight. The cold air mass settled over the region, creating ideal conditions for frost formation.

Queensland residents have donned winter clothing typically reserved for southern parts of the country, continues the Courier Mail article, while farmers are working hard to protect crops from frost damage.

Temperatures have also struggled across Victoria and South Australia, with locales experiencing their coldest June days in decades, according to Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) data.

BoM senior forecaster Angus Hines said the frigid temps were showing no signs of letting up, in what was proving to be an unusually persistent chill.

"It's quite a long time, actually," he said.  "We've had a chilly weekend, but the weather pattern is going to keep feeding in those chilly conditions through most of the rest of this week."

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the worst, according to Hines, with widespread areas of morning frost forecast for Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT.


Record Cold British Columbia
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/queensland-freeze-breaks-32-year

[Mark]

Sydney has shivered through a lunchtime forecasters say was officially the coldest of a capital city in the nation.
Sydney recorded a temperature of just 10.9 degrees at noon today, according to Weatherzone.
Parts of Sydney felt like a much lower 7.2, as showers hit the NSW coast.
READ MORE: Woman, 31, held at knifepoint after police chase in NSW
Rainfall
Sydney is experiencing wet weather which is forecast for the rest of the weekend. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Rainfall
Sydney was officially the coldest capital city in Australia at 12 pm today as the Sydney basin was slammed by winter rain. (Weatherzone)
Melbourne clocked in at just shy of 13 degrees around lunchtime, Brisbane at 16 degrees, and Adelaide at 14.
Perth's noon temperature hit 17.7 degrees but felt closer to 13.
Tropical Darwin was a balmy 27.3 degrees.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-weather-nsw-victoria-queensland-one-city-crowned-the-coldest-capital-over-lunchtime/2d9eca3e-c23b-4a54-9164-bd259c57b484

[Mark]

Eastern Australia's cold spell is now proving historic, with long-standing benchmarks continuing to fall.

Focusing on Aussie tropics, i.e. Queensland, Thursday morning saw Palmerville (located at 16°S!) reach 0.5C (32.9F), smashing the July record of 1.7C that had stood since 1899.

Kowanyama posted 4.9C (40.8F), which was a full 1C below the July record set in 1984.

While the 6C (42.8F) daily high observed at Applethorpe made for the lowest max anywhere in the state since 2015.

The remarkable chill has rolled-over into Friday and all.

Charters Towers posting 0.1C (32.2F), which breaks the all-time record also set in 1899, and by 1C and all.

Weipa touched 9.9C (49.8F), which is 0.5C below the July record that had stood since 1959.

Scherger, at 10.8C (51.4F), is 0.9C below its all-time benchmark set June 2011.

While Point Fawcett's 9.7C (49.5F), pips the July 2023 record by 0.1C.

—This list is far from exhaustive, but you get the idea.

Eyeing ahead there's even more to come and all, specifically for NSW, where the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has just issued a weather warning:

"Damaging winds are expected this afternoon as a strong cold front moves through. Vigorous winds are predicted for the southern ranges, central tablelands, and Illawarra coast, with blizzard conditions likely in the Alpine region."
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/cold-records-from-1899-fall-in-queensland

[Mark]

The wintry blast sweeping eastern Australia is setting records for cold and electricity demand alike, affecting multiple states and prompting energy authorities to prepare for outages.

On Monday, Victoria broke a 17-year record for maximum winter electricity demand, reaching 8,612 MW at 6PM, surpassing the previous record set in July 2007 by more than 250 MW.

This demand spike is expected to be challenged again, as temperatures across much of the state remain well-below average with further snows expect from Tasmania through Victoria and New South Wales.

Headed north, Queensland has also set a new record for maximum winter electricity demand, reaching 8,728 MW, up 12 MW from the previous record set on July 4, 2022. At the time of the peak demand, Queensland's generation mix consisted of 65.1% black coal, 25.9% gas, 4.2% hydro, 2.5% wind, 0.7% batteries, and 1.6% imported.

With winter only halfway over and lengthy periods of anomalous cold forecast to continue buffeting Australia, AEMO has warned that "deliverability risks" could persist until the end of August. Energy authorities say they are working to ensure that households can maintain heating while managing industrial gas supplies.

The cold has persisted this week, intensified even.

Most-recently, Queensland has broken a slew of cold weather records, so reports cairnspost.com.au, in what they have called a "brutal" polar blast. On Thursday, Far North Queensland notched its lowest temperatures in 116 years, with Cape York taking the biscuit. The state has even seen rare snow, which is reported to have fallen at three separate regions in Southern Queensland.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/eastern-australia-breaks-electricity

[Mark]

A massive snowstorm Friday night continued into Saturday, blanketing Aussie alpine regions.

Despite 'The Science' foretelling of a future without snow, this weekend brought a spectacular "Christmas in July" for ski resorts across the southeast, with more 50cm (20 inches) accumulating in popular tourist destinations.

Angus Hines of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) described it as a “very wintry outbreak”.

Mt Buller received 22cm (8.7 inches) of snow on Saturday morning, with an additional 15cm (5.9 inches) accumulating throughout the day, and yet more on the way. "It’s been brilliant, it started snowing on Friday night and hasn’t stopped," said the resorts marketing manager David Clark. "The best conditions we’ve seen so far."

While cold enough to snow, it was a slow start in June, "but it’s such a relief to have these big snowfalls and proper cold fronts coming through, setting us up for the rest of the season," Clark added. "We’re guaranteed to have snow now through October."

Mount Hotham saw 31cm (12.2 inches) in 24 hours to Saturday morning, reaching full capacity and closing to day visitors. Thredbo, further north, posted 27cm (10.6 inches) overnight, bringing its seven-day total to 43cm (16.9 inches).

"The entire mountain and village are covered in a thick blanket of fresh white snow, creating magical wintry scenes," a spokesperson said. “Experts forecast this low-pressure system could bring another 50cm (19.7 inches) over the next 10 days."

Falls Creek in north-east Victoria received 45cm (17.7 inches) of snow in just 24 hours. Its seven-day total has now exceeded 70cm (27.6 inches).

Perisher was hit hard and all, with freezing temperatures were recorded as low as 800m (2,625 feet).
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/the-snow-piles-up-down-under-cold

[Mark]

An unusual and long-lasting cold spell across Australia's southeast has led to record demand in the national electricity market (NEM).

Throughout April, May, and June, the persistently low temperatures, particularly in Victoria, drove a significant increase in morning peak electricity demand, according to the latest figures from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Decreased wind in the southern states has also reduced the power output from turbines, marking the lowest quarter of wind power output since 2017 (despite additional capacity).

The combo of low temps and no wind has caused the wholesale spot price for electricity to surge by 23% compared to the same period last year. Gas-fired power generation had to step in to fill the gap, increasing by 16% from the previous year, which, in turn, has seen gas prices reach almost $30 per gigajoule, levels reminiscent of the energy crisis of two years ago.

More importantly, this has also pushed gas infrastructure to breaking point, with AEMO highlighting immediate risks to supplies. The operator warns that peak demand days over next three months (or more) risk rapidly depleting gas storage levels.

Rick Wilkinson, chief executive of consultancy EnergyQuest, asserts that the shortfalls were predictable and are a direct result of declining investment in new gas supplies. He emphasized the increasing vulnerability of Australia to supply shortfalls due to a lack of investment and years of politicized hostility toward the gas industry.

Predictably, AEMO's CEO Daniel Westerman continues to champion renewables as the solution to Australia's national electricity market woes, stating: "The role of batteries in supporting morning and evening demand peaks has become more prominent."

While this is true, it results from flawed and damaging policy decisions rather than sound reasoning. It's like saying the role of bandages has become more prominent because we keep shooting ourselves in the foot.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/texas-cold-front-breaks-daily-records

[Mark]

Australia's already very cold winter is intensifying, with temperatures set to plunge further this week.

Brisbane, known for its reliably sunny spells, shivered through its coldest morning in a decade Monday, with more to come.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported that south and south-eastern Queensland faced some of their lowest temperatures in years. Brisbane hit an overnight low of 2.7C (36.9F), while the Sunshine Coast saw a 17-year July low of 1.6C (34.9F).

Dalby was the coldest place in the sunshine state on Monday morning, with a record low of -4C (24.8F).




Sky News Weather Meteorologist Rob Sharpe: "We’ve already seen this widespread frost from South Australia to Tasmania to Queensland," he said Monday morning.

Canberra, the nation's capital, endured an overnight minimum of -5.6C (21.9F).

Alice Springs posted -1.1C (30.0F).

The cold will linger for many, including the central and tropical regions of Queensland — it will actually be colder come Tuesday and Wednesday with sub-zero minimums expected to deliver a slew of additional record lows.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/australias-winter-continues-to-defy

[Mark]

Large parts of Western Australia and South Australia can expect a prolonged run of wet weather from late today.
Rainfalls of 15mm to 30mm are forecast for the next five days across the Pilbara, parts of the Kimberley, the WA interior and central SA.
Forecasters say Isolated totals of 30mm to 60mm can be expected in some parts.
READ MORE: Bodyboarder dies after being pulled from water at Sydney surf park

The wet weather system over the Pilbara region of WA tomorrow night, which will slowly progress further east into central Australia on the weekend. (Weatherzone)
The heaviest rain is likely in the Pilbara and Kimberley region later today and into tomorrow as an upper-level trough moves over the region.
The wet weather will slowly progress further east into central Australia on the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a strong wind warning today for the following coastal areas of WA: Geraldton, Perth, Bunbury, Leeuwin, Albany, Esperance and Eucla.

[Mark]

After parts of southwest Australia endured severe storms and ferocious winds last week, Perth has completed a hat-trick after experiencing its second-warmest July in records going back to 1944.


The Perth airport site had an average overall temperature of 14.5ºC during July, a whopping 1.4ºC higher than the 80-year average. Maximum temperature themselves were the fifth highest on record (19.4ºC) and were the warmest on average since 2020 (19.5ºC). Other locations in the region told a similar story:

https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/perths-second-warmest-july-on-record/1889716

Bunbury had its third-warmest July since records began in 1996 (13.5ºC average temperature) and second-warmest average maximum temperature (18.1ºC).



Albany had its warmest July since records began in 2012 (13.0ºC average temperature).



Merredin, between Perth and Kalgoorlie, had its third-warmest July since records began in 1966 (12.5ºC average temperature).


preth_temp


Figure: Mean temperature anomaly of July 2024 compared to the 1961-1990 baseline temperatures (Bureau of Meteorology). 


As seen from the mean temperature anomaly map, the majority of Western Australia was 2-3ºC above the 1961-1990 average. 


With winter being the wettest season across much of southwest Western Australia, it makes sense that moisture levels were elevated across the region. The figure below shows that the specific humidity anomalies were especially high for WA's Central Wheatbelt and surrounds. High humidity means dewpoints were elevated, hence the much warmer temperatures throughout July.


preth_hum


Figure: Near-surface specific humidity anomalies of July 2024 compared to the 1961-1990 baseline (NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory). 


This moisture came with the consequence of rainfall over the southwest, which we saw most recently in the final hours of July. 



Geraldton had its highest July rainfall in 12 years of records (157mm, average of 66.3mm)

Bunbury had its wettest July since 2000 (232.0mm, average of 146.3mm)


Whilst August has started off close to average so far across the southwest in terms of temperatures, there are indications of increased warmth next weekend ahead of a potentially significant cold front.
Perth's second warmest July on record

[Mark]

Despite it still being winter, some parts of Australia have recorded temperatures just shy of 40 degrees, while others are in for a cool change in coming days.
Oodnadatta in South Australia clocked a scorching 39.3 degrees, while in Western Australia, Wyndham in the northern Kimberly got up to 38.7 degrees.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said unseasonal warmth is impacting central and eastern Australia this weekend and may continue into next week for some parts of the country.
READ MORE: Two astronauts are stuck in space. Here's what will happen to their bodies
Scorching winter temperatures
Parts of Australia have recorded temperatures just shy of 40 degrees, while some parts of the country are in for a cool change in coming days. (Bureau of Meteorology)
Queensland almost broke its August record with temperatures well above average in the interior and south east, with near-record August warmth in the southwest.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/weather-australia-temperatures-nudge-39-degrees-ahead-of-cool-change/dbcda8e1-fdf5-4406-9e5f-249300e12374

[Mark]

For the second time in two days, South Australia has obliterated its highest temperature ever recorded in winter, with a maximum of 39.4°C recorded at Oodnadatta on Saturday afternoon.



On Friday, South Australia recorded its hottest winter temperature on record, also at Oodnadatta, when the mercury hit 38.5°C. That beat the old record by a whopping two degrees.

These sorts of records are usually exceeded in small increments, so a two-degree jump on the old mark was extraordinary.

To exceed the new record by almost another full degree the next day is nothing short of remarkable.





Image: Welcome to temperatures no one has ever measured in winter before. Source: iStock.


And Oodnadatta was not alone in setting records. Two other locations included:



The town of Marree recorded 37.3°C, which was a winter record too. Before this week, its highest recorded winter temp was 34.9°C.

Roxby Downs reached 36.1°C on Saturday, another winter record. Before this week, its highest recorded winter temperature was 34.6°C.


The unusually hot August airmass over Central Australia and northern SA has been caused by a stream of northwesterly winds flowing between a low pressure system centred over the Great Australian Bight and a high pressure system sitting over Queensland.





The heat will start to moderate on Sunday, and while Oodnadatta's likely maximum of 32°C will still be something 10 degrees above the long-term average August max of 22.3°C, it won't be in record-setting territory.


Located in the northern part of SA's North East Pastoral forecast district, Oodnadatta jointly holds the record (with Onslow in WA) of the hottest temp ever recorded in Australia in any season (50.7°C). Around 100 hardy souls call the town home.
https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/south-australia-smashes-winter-heat-record-again/1889787

[Mark]

Cap Allon
Aug 30, 2024
∙ Paid

Thousands Without Power In Tasmania As Cold And Snow Intensify
Thousands of homes across Tasmania remain without power, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall set to worsen through the weekend.

The BOM says a significant polar front will approach Friday, with two further fronts bringing more of the same Saturday and Sunday. Thermometers have already crashed well-below freezing for many, with the city of Hobart 'feeling like' -14.6C (5.7F).

As of Friday afternoon, over 3,500 properties were still without electricity, primarily in the northern and northwestern regions. At its peak overnight, more than 9,000 properties were affected. Areas like Wynyard, Woolnorth, and Ulverstone have been particularly hard hit, with snow-covered trees falling onto power lines.

TasNetworks has urged residents to prepare for prolonged outages, emphasizing that the extreme cold and snow are making access difficult for repair crews. "We are asking our customers to prepare for long delays as our crews work tirelessly to restore power," a spokesperson said.

Following multiple road incidents, motorists have been advised remain cautious.

Among the disruptions there are also plenty of picturesque scenes. Mount Wellington, for example, has been transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow since Wednesday. Likewise at Ben Lomand, the ski season typically ends in August here, but this week's heavy late-season powder has led to unexpected extension.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/thousands-without-power-in-tasmania

[Mark]

Greater Sydney and the Illawarra are on high alert for fires today with temperatures set to soar into the 30s.
Both regions have been issued a high fire danger rating for today.
In Sydney, the temperature is forecast to rise to 17 degrees at 7am, and 24 degrees by 10am.
READ MORE: Perth's fight against destructive beetles the size of sesame seeds

Temperatures above 30 degrees are expected across Greater Sydney today. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
But the 30-degree mark will come at about 1pm, and the heat is set to stick around well into the afternoon.
Even by 4pm, it's expected the temperature will only drop to 29 degrees.
The heat will be felt right across the greater metropolitan region, including Penrith, Hornsby, Campbelltown, and the CBD.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-weather-warning-strong-heat-fire-danger-updates/3b6054e0-b72f-4d56-8b31-d6a3f8046a19

[Mark]

Tasmania

The coldest weather this weekend will occur in Tasmania, where it should get cold enough for snow to reach around 200 m above sea level on Saturday. These freezing temperatures combined with squally winds and snow will make it unsafe for outdoor activates such as hiking and bushwalking, particularly over the state’s Western and Central Plateau on Saturday, where wind chill will make temperatures feel lower than -10°C at times.


Hobart is only forecast to reach 11°C on Saturday and 13°C on Sunday, although most of Saturday will feel colder than 3°C amid blustery winds and showers. While Sunday will be drier and a bit warmer in Hobart, the city’s temperature should still feel lower than 6°C for most of the day.


Rain, hail and snow will all fall in Tas this weekend, with the heaviest accumulations occurring in the state’s west and south. There could also be a few thunderstorms.
Cold snap to hit five states this weekend
Cold snap to hit five states this weekend
https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/cold-snap-to-hit-five-states-this-weekend/1889887