1998 - A Dry Year with Near Normal Temperatures

Preliminary Bureau of Meteorology figures released today show that rainfall across Victoria during 1998 was below average in all districts except for the North-East, where there were floods in September, and in East Gippsland, where there were floods in July. However 1998 temperatures were close to normal throughout the state.

Long-term rainfall deficiencies persist over much of the state. Many localities in Central Victoria, and also in West and South Gippsland, have just experienced their driest 27 months (ended December) on record.

In the Mallee, Mildura recorded an average minimum temperature of 10.2 degrees Celsius (normal 10.4 degrees), an average maximum of 23.7 degrees (normal 23.6 degrees) and 163 millimetres of rain (normal 287 mm).

In the Northern Country district, Echuca recorded an average minimum temperature of 8.5 degrees (normal 9.2 degrees), an average maximum of 22.3 degrees (normal 22.2 degrees), and 375mm of rain (normal 43 mm).

In East Gippsland, Orbost recorded an average minimum temperature of 9.0 degrees (normal also 9.0 degrees), an average maximum of 20.3 degrees (normal also 20.3 degrees) and 1004mm of rain (normal 887mm).

In Central Victoria, Melbourne recorded an average minimum temperature of 11.2 degrees (normal 11.0 degrees), an average maximum of 20.6 degrees (normal 19.9 degrees) and 586mm of rain (normal 639mm).

In the Western District, Ballarat recorded an average minimum temperature of 5.9 degrees (normal 7.2 degrees), an average maximum of 17.8 degrees (normal 17.3 degrees) and 654mm of rain (normal 684mm).

Month of December December 1998 was (on average) mostly a little drier, and also a little warmer, than usual. But averages did not tell the complete story. The month opened with high temperatures and serious bushfires, and will be remembered for the sharp changes it was characterised by.

For example, lightning, accompanying thunderstorms on Christmas Eve, and one bolt struck a group of people on Phillip Island. Near 40 degree heat on Christmas Day was replaced by storm-force winds, snow (on the alps) and dust storms in the Mallee by 27 December.

Melbourne's maximum temperature of 41.0 degrees on the 12 December was followed by a maximum of 16.2 degrees, on 13 December resulting in one of the largest day-to-day changes on record. Melbourne's average minimum for the month was 14.6 degrees (normal 13.7 degrees). Melbourne's average maximum was 25.7 degrees (normal 24.1 degrees C), and 62mm of rain was recorded (normal 58 mm).

Ends

For further information contact: Climate Meteorologist Harvey Stern: (03) 9669 4949, or
After hours, Senior Forecaster Scott Williams: (03) 9669 4921