Final Sydney Climate Summary - NSW REGIONAL OFFICE 

Dry, sunny conditions continue during July 

July 2002 

Persistent dry westerly winds continued during July contributing towards the low rainfall in Sydney. Only 24mm was recorded on 3 rain days.  The number of rain days was the lowest since 1970 when 2 days was recorded. The average for the month is 99mm on 10 rain days. All the rain fell in the last week which ended Sydney's second longest dry spell on record of 34 days.   Greater Sydney totals ranged from 45mm at Avalon to only 8mm at Seven Hills.

Daytime temperatures were above average while overnight they were below average. The average maximum of 18.5 was the highest since 1988 when 18.7 deg was recorded while the average minimum of 7.9 was the lowest since 1995.  Temperatures ranged from 21 deg on several days to 4 deg on the 12th, the lowest temperature at Observatory Hill since 1995 when also 4 deg and 1986 when 3 deg.  The far western suburbs have experienced the most number of frosts since 1970 with double the average for July.  The lowest temperature was –6 deg at Camden and -5 deg at Richmond on the 12th.

South-west to north-westerly winds predominated for two out of  three days causing below average humidity.  With many clear days sunshine was plentiful, averaging 7.9 hours per day or about 75% of possible maximum. It was the sunniest July since 1978 and the second sunniest on record.  Thunder was heard in some suburbs on the 29th. 

Climate summary for Sydney, 
July 2002
 

	July
	2002	Average	2001
Average maximum temperature (°C)	18.5	17.1*	17.4
Average minimum temperature (°C)	7.9	8.4*	9.7
Mean temperature (°C)	13.2	12.7*	13.5
Rain (mm)	24.2	98.9#	128.0
Number of rain days	3	10	12
Average daily sunshine (hours)	7.9	6.5	5.0

* Long-term temperature averages calculated since 1947.
# Median July rainfall is 81mm.

Further information:
Mike De Salis, Climate and Consultancy Section, tel: (02) 9296 1555, e-mail: reqnsw@bom.gov.au

Use Weather by Fax for updates and other products: 
NSW Directory 1800 061 439
Sydney Monthly Weather Summary 1902 935 225 
NSW Monthly Weather Summary 1902 935 224 
Australian 3-month Climate Outlook 1902 935 251 
NSW Daily Rainfall Bulletin 1902 935 223