Monday 2 April 2001

MEDIA RELEASE - NSW REGIONAL OFFICE

Sydney rain days above average in March

The total rainfall in Sydney in March of 110 millimetres was a little below average, but the number of rain days, 22, was the highest since 1990 when 23 days was recorded. The long-term average is 13 rain days. The number of rain days in March has exceeded 22 on only six occasions since recording began in 1859.

Average maximum and average minimum temperatures were a little above the long-term averages. The highest temperature was 30 degrees celsius on the 23rd, and the lowest was 14 degrees on the 22nd.

Sunshine hours were slightly below average, strong easterly winds on the 8th reached 87 kilometres an hour, and there was one thunderstorm during the month.

Sydney, March 2001
Elements 2001 Average 2000
Average maximum temperature 25.7 25.1* 25.3
Average minimum temperature 18.4 17.9* 19.0
Mean Temperature 22.1 21.5* 22.1
Rain (mm) 110.2 132.2# 248.4
Number of raindays 22 13 15
Average daily sunshine (hours) 6.3 6.9 4.7

* Long-term averages calculated since site change in 1947.
# Median March rainfall is 97mm.

Ends

Further information:
Mike De Salis, tel: (02) 9296 1555

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