Monday, 1 November 2004

MONTHLY CLIMATE SUMMARY - ACT

October a warmer and drier-than-average month in the ACT

Canberra Airport had above average temperatures in October this year, while rainfall was slightly less than average.

Rainfall: A total of 55.0 millimetres of rain was recorded at Canberra Airport in October, with rain falling on 11 days of the month. The long-term average for October is 64.4 mm on 10 days. Rainfall totals were slightly less in the east of the ACT, while most other places had close to average totals. Melba recorded the highest total of 73.0 mm for the month, while Tidbinbilla had the lowest of 51.0 mm. There were two thunderstorms recorded at the airport, which is average.

Temperature: The mean daily maximum temperature of 20.2 degrees Celsius was higher than the long-term mean of 19.2 degrees. The mean daily minimum temperature of 7.1 degrees was also higher than the long-term mean of 5.9. There were only three frosts for the month compared with the average of six. There were two fog days, which is average. The average daily temperature for October of 13.6 degrees was higher than the long-term average of 12.6 degrees.

Wind: Wind conditions were near average in the ACT in October. There were two strong wind days compared with the average of three, and one day of gale-force winds compared with the average of none. A wind gust of 87 km/h was recorded on 27 October when trees were blown over. Some fell on to houses. The mean daily wind run of 213 kilometres a day was marginally less than the average of 217 km/day.

Other: The monthly evaporation of 156.0 mm was very close to the average of 157.5 mm, while the daily sunshine of 8.4 hours a day was very close to the long-term average of 8.5 hr/day. The mean daily pressure of 1017.2 hectopascals was much higher than the average of 1015.2 hPa.

Summary for Canberra airport, October 2004

Mean maximum temperature: 20.2°C (av 19.2°C)
Highest maximum temperature: 29.2°C (13 October)
Lowest maximum temperature: 13.2°C (1 October)
Mean minimum temperature: 7.1°C (av 5.9°C)
Highest minimum temperature: 15.7°C (14 October)
Lowest minimum temperature: minus 0.7°C (16 October)
Mean daily temperature: 13.6°C (av 12.6°C)
Lowest grass temperature: minus 4.2°C (16 October)
Total monthly rainfall: 55.0 mm (av 64.4 mm)
Total monthly evaporation: 156.0 mm (av 157.5 mm)
Mean daily sunshine: 8.4 hr/day (av 8.5 hr/day)
Mean daily pressure: 1017.2 hPa (av 1015.2 hPa)
Mean daily wind run (at 2 metres): 213 km/day (av 217 km/day)

Ends

Further information:
Clem Davis, Canberra Meteorological Office, tel: (02) 6249 6269, e-mail: c.davis@bom.gov.au