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Thursday, 2 October 2003
MONTHLY CLIMATE SUMMARY - ACT METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE
September marked by strong winds, thunderstorms in ACT
September in The ACT this year was marked by close to average daily maximum temperatures,
above average daily minimum temperatures, just below average rainfall, and an above
average number of thunderstorms and strong wind days.
Rainfall: Rain was recorded on 13 days in September compared with the average of
10 days. The monthly total of 44.6 mm at Canberra airport was just below the
average of 52.9 mm. Rainfall across the ACT was generally 36-50 mm, with
more rain falling in the Brindabella ranges. The highest rainfall total was at Tidbinbilla
with 93.0 mm, while the lowest was at Melba with 36.8 mm. There were five thunderstorm days
at the airport, well above the long-term average of one day. The one day of hail was average.
Temperature: The mean daily maximum temperature of 16.2 degrees Celisius was marginally
above the long-term average of 16.0 degrees. The maximum temperature of 24.3 degrees on
22 September was the highest since 28 March, when 25.1 degrees was recorded. The mean daily
minimum temperature of 4.3 degrees was well above the average of 3.1 degrees. The high minimum
value occured despite 14 frosts for the month, one above the average. The mean monthly temperature
of 10.3 degrees was above the average of 9.6 degrees.
Sunshine, winds: It was sunnier than normal in September. The mean daily sunshine
of 9.3 hours a day was well above the average of 7.5 hr/day and equalled the 1994
record for September. Winds in September were above average, with seven strong wind days
compared with the average of four. Four of these days were on 20-23 September. The mean daily
wind run was 293 kilometres a day, well above the average of 228.7 km/day. With stronger winds
and more sunshine than normal in September, evaporation was well above the average of 111.8 mm,
coming in at 149.4 mm.
Other: There were no fogs recorded for the month compared with the average of four. The
mean daily pressure of 1013.6 hectopascals was well below the average of 1017.4 hPa.
Summary for Canberra airport, September 2003
Mean maximum temperature: 16.2°C (av 16.0°C)
Highest maximum temperature: 24.3°C (22 September)
Lowest maximum temperature: 10.5°C (14 September)
Mean minimum temperature: 4.3°C (av 3.1°C)
Highest minimum temperature: 13.3°C (23 September)
Lowest minimum temperature: minus 2.9°C (4 September)
Mean daily temperature: 10.3°C (av 9.6°C)
Lowest grass temperature: minus 7.1°C (4 September)
Total monthly rainfall: 44.6 mm (av 52.9 mm)
Total monthly evaporation: 149.4 mm (av 111.8 mm)
Mean daily sunshine: 9.3 hr/day* (av 7.5 hr/day)
Mean daily pressure: 1013.6 hPa (av 1017.4 hPa)
Mean daily windrun (at 2 metres): 293 km/day (av 228.7 km/day)
* Equal record with 1994
Ends
Further information:
Clem Davis, Canberra Meteorological Office, tel: (02) 6249 6269, e-mail: c.davis@bom.gov.au
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