Exceptionally warm - Victoria in April 2005

Preliminary Bureau of Meteorology figures show that April 2005 has been exceptionally warm and dry across Victoria, with the State experiencing its warmest April in at least 50 years. Furthermore, an April as dry as that of 2005 occurs in Victoria only once in every five years.

On a national scale, April 2005 has been the warmest April recorded in Australia also for at least 50 years. The Australian mean temperature was nearly 3 deg C above average. In addition, April 2005 was the sixth driest April on record across the nation.

In regard to rainfall across Victoria, the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central and Northern Country Districts have received only between 5 and 10 mm for the month (during a normal April, these Districts receive between 30 and 50 mm). Southern Victorian Districts have fared only slightly better, averaging between 20 and 30 mm (during a normal April these Districts receive between 50 and 70 mm).

There was only one significant rainfall event, when a frontal system rich in moisture crossed the State between April 15 and April 16. Melbourne recorded 22 mm in 24 hours during this event.

Sunny skies were a feature of the month and daytime temperatures have been very high, averaging between 3 and 4 deg C above normal throughout the State. April 10 was the month's hottest day at most places, Kerang registering Victoria's top temperature for the month of 37 deg C, whilst Melbourne recorded 34.5 deg C (the second warmest April day on record).

Overnight temperatures were also above normal, being mostly between 1 and 2 deg C above the long term normals.

The minimum temperature in Melbourne on April 10 was 22.4 deg C, one of the highest ever for April. With two days left in the month, it appears that Melbourne's average April maximum temperature will be about 24.1 deg C (normal: 20.6 deg C), the highest on record. This is the first time that the April mean maximum temperature has been above the previous February's mean maximum temperature. It also appears that the average April minimum temperature will be about 13.5 deg C (normal: 11.7 deg C). 31mm of rain fell during April (normal: 52.7 mm).

A final media release for April 2005 will be issued on Monday 2nd May, after all April data have been compiled.

Please contact us for further information.

Victoria Climate Centre
Bureau of Meteorology
Dr Harvey Stern (03) 9669 4949
Email climate.vic@bom.gov.au

Note

This statement has been prepared based on information available at 3 PM on Friday 29 April 2005 . Although every effort has been made to check them, it is possible that results may change as new information becomes available.

Daily Weather Observations for selected Victoria localities are available here.

Please contact us for further information.

Victoria Climate Centre
Bureau of Meteorology
Dr Harvey Stern (03) 9669 4949
Email climate.vic@bom.gov.au