Wednesday, 2 October 2002

MEDIA RELEASE - NSW REGIONAL OFFICE

Fourth warmest September on record for Sydney

Rainfall: Sydney experienced continued dry conditions in September this year, with well below average rainfall. Only 22 millimetres of rain was recorded over nine days. The average for the month is 70mm over 10 rain days. Greater Sydney totals ranged from 71mm at Avalon Beach to only 4mm at Penrith. More than half of the month's rain fell in a few hours on 17 September.

Temperature: With an average temperature of 17.5 degrees Celsius for the month, Sydney had its fourth warmest September on record. The warmest was 17.8 degrees in 1980. The average maximum temperature of 22.7 degrees was the third highest on record. Temperatures ranged from 31 degrees on the 25 September to 7 degrees on the 11th. There were 10 days when the temperature exceeded 25 degrees, the highest ever recorded. The average is three days. Sunshine was plentiful, averaging 8.9 hours a day, or about 75 per cent of possible maximum.

Storms: Three thunderstorms were reported during the month. The most severe was on 1 September in coastal suburbs where heavy hail, strong winds and local flooding caused minor damage to houses. Hail was reported on four days over the metropolitan area, mostly from thunderstorms. Very strong winds on the 18th and 19th caused structural damage and power outages, with winds reaching 122 km/h at Lucas Heights.


Climate summary for Sydney, September 2002

September
2002 Average 2001
Average maximum temperature (°C) 22.7 20.3* 22.3
Average minimum temperature (°C) 12.4 11.4* 13.1
Mean temperature (°C) 17.5 15.9* 17.7
Rain (mm) 21.8 69.5# 27.6
Number of rain days 9 10 7
Average daily sunshine (hours) 8.9 7.8 7.6

* Long-term temperature averages calculated since site change in 1947.
# Median September rainfall is 53mm.

Ends

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