MEDIA RELEASE

Bureau of Meteorology figures, released today, show that Victoria has experienced a cooler than normal April, with some particularly cold nights, and below average rainfall in most areas.

Melbourne's average minimum temperature was 10.4 deg C (normal 11.7 deg C), whilst Melbourne's average maximum was 19.8 deg C (normal 20.6 deg C). The State's highest temperature for the month was 30 deg C, recorded at Ouyen on April 13, whilst Melbourne's highest temperature was 25.7 deg C, recorded on April 4. The State's lowest temperature for the month (at a low level site) was minus 5 deg C, recorded at Ararat on April 24, whilst Melbourne's lowest temperature was plus 4.7 deg C, recorded on April 25.

Rainfall has been below average in most Districts. However, in East Gippsland, it was well above the average, on account of the high frequency of low pressure systems off the southern New South Wales coast. Victoria's wettest place was East Gippsland's Combienbar, with 144 mm for the month (normal 97 mm). By contrast, the Mallee's Ouyen, and the Wimmera's Jeparit, received no rain at all (normals 27 mm and 30 mm, respectively). Melbourne received 39 mm (normal 53 mm)

The long dry spell, which has impacted upon much of Victoria since October 1996, continues. For example, in the northwest, Mildura's rainfall over that period (473 mm) is the lowest on record (previous record 520 mm between 1965 and 1968). In South Gippsland, Leongatha's rainfall over that period (1861 mm) is also the lowest on record (previous record 1991 mm between 1942 and 1945) as also is that of many other places in this part of the State. Melbourne's total of 1215 mm is also a record (previous record 1290 mm between 1966 and 1969).

Further Information: Climate Meteorologist Harvey Stern 03 9669 4949 After Hours: Senior Forecaster 03 9669 4921

WEB Site http://www.bom.gov.au

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