Tuesday, 1 March 2005

MONTHLY CLIMATE SUMMARY - ACT

February rainfall totals high but variable in the ACT

Well above-average rainfall was recorded in parts of the ACT in February, including Canberra airport, due to localised thunderstorm activity. However other parts of the ACT had average or below-average totals. Night-time temperatures were above average, while daytime temperatures were close to average.

Temperature: The mean daily minimum temperature of 13.4 degrees Celsius in February was 0.4 degrees above the mean of 13.0. The mean daily maximum temperature of 26.9 degrees was just below the mean of 27.3. There were nine days when the temperature reached 30.0 degrees or more (average eight) and two days when the temperature reached 35.0 degrees or more (average one). The mean daily temperature was 20.2 degrees, marginally above the average of 20.0. The maximum temperature on 3 February was 15.3 degrees, making it the coldest February day since 4 February 2002 when 15.2 degrees was recorded.

Rainfall: Canberra airport recorded 73.6 millimetres of rain over eight rain days in February, well above the average of 55.5 mm over seven days. There were five thunderstorm days for the month compared with the average of three. Rainfall across the ACT was, however, quite variable due to localised thunderstorm activity. The highest rainfall total was 86.0 mm at Corin Dam. The lowest was 40.9 mm at Stromlo Forest. Hail was recorded at the airport along with a thunderstorm on 12 February. Heavy rain associated with a thunderstorm was also reported on 2 February.

Other: Wind in February was above average in the ACT. The average daily wind run was 198 kilometres a day compared with the average of 178. There were two days of strong winds compared with the average of one. Gales were also recorded on 3 February. Average daily sunshine for the month was 8.4 hours a day compared with the average of 8.9, while the monthly evaporation of 192.8 mm was just below the average of 200.7. No fogs (average none) or frosts (average none) were reported. The mean daily pressure of 1010.9 hectopascals was less than the average of 1013.8.

Summary for Canberra airport, February 2005

Mean maximum temperature: 26.9°C (av 27.3°C)
Highest maximum temperature: 35.8°C (8 February)
Lowest maximum temperature: 15.3°C (3 February)
Mean minimum temperature: 13.4°C (av 13.0°C)
Highest minimum temperature: 19.2°C (26 February)
Lowest minimum temperature: 7.1°C (3 February)
Mean daily temperature: 20.2°C (av 20.0°C)
Lowest grass temperature: 5.0°C (6 February)
Total monthly rainfall: 73.6 mm (av 55.5 mm)
Total monthly evaporation: 192.8 mm (av 200.7 mm)
Mean daily sunshine: 8.4 hours a day (av 8.9)
Mean daily pressure: 1010.9 hPa (av 1013.8 hPa)
Mean daily windrun (at two metres): 198 km a day (av 178 km/day)

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

Ends