Monday, 1 February 2016 - Monthly Climate Summary for New South Wales - Product code IDCKGC15R0

New South Wales in January 2016: A stormy month with hot and cold spells

January was a variable month for New South Wales, with several heatwaves, cold snaps, and wet spells. Rainfall was average to above average across most of the state, particularly along the east coast, with several severe thunderstorms and heavy rain events during the month.

• Heavy rain causes local flooding along the east coast
• Severe thunderstorms cause strong winds and heavy rain
• Cold spells break January low temperature records
• Two heatwaves affect the state

Rainfall was 23.2% above average for NSW as a whole during January 2016. Most of the state recorded above average totals, with closer to average falls in parts of the northeast and northwest. Rainfall was well above average along the central coast and in most of the southeast, with several stations recording their wettest January on record.

The most significant rainfall event of the month occurred between the 4th and the 6th as a period of onshore flow and developing East Coast Low produced heavy rain in coastal NSW, with three-day rainfall totals as high as 432 mm at Bungwahl. Falls were particularly heavy on the South Coast and in the Hunter Valley, with several stations including Newcastle breaking long-term January daily rainfall records. The heavy rain caused flooding in several areas including major flooding in the Paterson and Williams rivers, with 33 flood rescues performed by the SES.

Severe thunderstorms also produced locally heavy rain and strong winds throughout the month, notably over 14-15, 21-22 and 25 January, with particularly strong winds damaging properties near Singleton on the 22nd. The month ended with a surface trough that drew tropical moisture into the state from the 27th, generating rain and thunderstorms. Heavy rain was recorded in drought-affected areas of northern NSW on the 27th, with Walgett recording 99 mm over the 24 hours to 9 am on the 28th, its wettest day since 14 February 2009. Severe thunderstorms also caused locally heavy rain across eastern NSW on the 29th and 30th, with very strong winds causing major damage to several properties at Forbes Creek near Bungendore on the 29th.

Both the statewide average maximum (+0.38 °C) and minimum (+1.29 °C) temperatures were above average for January, with warm temperatures in the southwest of the state but average to below average temperatures in the northeast. Temperatures varied during the month, with very cool conditions during rain events over 3-6, 14-15 and 27-28 January. Several stations recorded their coldest January day on record during one of these periods, with others recording their coldest January day in at least 20 years. In contrast, there were also two heatwaves over 10-13 and 18-20 January, particularly in the south of the state, although only Narrandera exceeded the extremes seen during the heatwaves of January 2013.

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Maps
	Observed	Anomaly	Decile rank
Total rainfall
Mean daily maximum temperatures
Mean daily minimum temperatures

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* note: there are gaps in the historical record at this site, so it is possible a higher value has gone unreported.

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top