New South Wales in January 2018: Heatwaves and thunderstorms

January was warmer than average in New South Wales, and third-warmest on record for maximum temperature. Rainfall was below average in the northeastern half but close to average elsewhere. Thunderstorms formed regularly through the month bringing heavy rain, hail and damaging winds on some occasions.

Warmest January days since 1939

  • NSW experienced a few heatwaves in January, including around the 6th to 8th, and 18th to 22nd when maximum temperatures reached up to 12 degrees above average; some sites, mostly in the Sydney region, recorded their highest January temperature on record during the first heatwave on the 7th
  • Mean maximum temperatures were warmer than average across the State, and were warmest on record for patches of the far northwest where the mean maximum was more than 5 degrees above average
  • Several locations had their highest January mean maximum temperature on record, or their highest January mean maximum temperature in at least 20 years
  • There were a few cooler than average days despite the overall warmth, including in some areas on the 30th and 31st following a cold front; Broken Hill only reached a maximum of 20.4 °C on the 30th, its coldest January day on record
  • Averaged across NSW, the mean maximum temperature was 3.78 °C above average, the third-warmest on record, and the highest since 1939

Warm January nights

  • Minimum temperatures were also warmer than average in most areas, by more than 3 degrees above average in parts of the west, but close to average in the far northeast; averaged over the State the mean minimum was 2.46 °C above average, the sixth-warmest on record
  • Large areas of the State experienced runs of warmer than average nights from 7 to 13 January and 22 to 30 January, the last few days of the latter period associated with high humidity levels; in the northwest, White Cliff had a record run of 11 days with a minimum temperature of at least 25 °C up until the 30th, and Wanaaring Post Office a record run of 7 days up until the 29th
  • Some locations, including Bankstown, Batemans Bay, Mudgee, Ulladulla and Merimbula, recorded their warmest January night (highest daily minimum temperature) on record during these periods
  • Cooler southerly winds saw below average minimum temperatures in many areas between 14 and 19 January, with Mangrove Mountain and Murwillumbah observing their lowest January temperature on record on the 18th and 19th respectively

Some heavy falls, but dry overall in the northeast

  • Heavy rainfall totals were observed with thunderstorms on several days through the month, including 91 mm recorded at Rosebank over the 24 hours to 9 am on the 3rd
  • Armidale recorded 69 mm over the 24 hours to 9 am on the 12th, its wettest January day on record, with 51 mm of that falling in two hours on the evening of the 11th.
  • Monthly rainfall was close to average in most areas, but below average across the northeast; Bombala AWS observed its wettest January on record and Lockhart Bowling Club its wettest January since 1996, but a few sites had their driest January in at least 20 years
  • Averaged across the State, rainfall was 46% of the January average

Severe thunderstorms bring hail and damaging winds

  • Thunderstorms were a regular feature of the weather in January, with severe thunderstorms producing heavy rain, hail and strong winds across the State on several days
  • On the 1st, severe thunderstorms on the north coast brought large hail to areas including Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Balina, Evans Head and Lennox Head areas, with strong winds also causing widespread damage in Maclean
  • Severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, damaging winds and hail to areas of eastern NSW on the 9th; large hail was reported in Wee Jasper, and damage to property reported in Cootamundra, Uriarra, Bathurst, Cowra, Orange, Dubbo, the Blue Mountains and parts of Sydney
  • On the 12th, property damage was reported with severe thunderstorms in parts of southern NSW, notably around Cootamundra and Wee Jasper

Further information

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Extremes in January 2018
Hottest day47.3 °C at Penrith Lakes AWS on the 7th
Warmest days on average40.6 °C at Tibooburra Airport
Coolest days on average17.9 °C at Thredbo AWS
Coldest day6.8 °C at Thredbo AWS on the 14th
Coldest night-1.4 °C at Thredbo AWS on the 14th
Coolest nights on average7.8 °C at Perisher Valley AWS
Warmest nights on average25.5 °C at Tibooburra Airport
Warmest night33.1 °C at Wanaaring (Delta AWS) on the 7th
Warmest on average overall33.1 °C at Tibooburra Airport
Coolest on average overall13.3 °C at Thredbo AWS
Wettest overall215.2 mm at Yarras (Mount Seaview)
Wettest day91.0 mm at Rosebank (Repentance Creek) on the 3rd
Strongest wind gust122 km/h at Nowra RAN Air Station AWS on the 9th

Maps
ObservedAnomalyDecile rank
Total
rainfall
Map of Rainfall totals Map of Percentage of normal rainfall Map of Rainfall deciles
Mean
daily
maximum
temperatures
Map of Mean maximum temperature Map of Anomaly in mean maximum temperature Map of Decile rank of mean maximum temperature
Mean
daily
minimum
temperatures
Map of Mean minimum temperature Map of Anomaly in mean minimum temperature Map of Decile rank of mean minimum temperature

Click on a map to show it full size in a pop-up window


Record highest January daily rainfall
New record
(mm)
Old
record
Years of
record
Armidale Airport AWS 69.2 on the 12th 64.0 on the 22nd in 1996 23



Record highest January total rainfall
New record
(mm)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Bombala AWS 133.0 120.6 in 2015 24 49.0

Highest January total rainfall for at least 20 years
Observed
(mm)
Most recent
higher
Average for
January
Lockhart Bowling Club 81.4 144.6 in 1996 35.3



Lowest January total rainfall for at least 20 years
Observed
(mm)
Most recent
lower
Average for
January
Brewarrina Hospital 1.6 1.3 in 1952 50.3
Bankstown Airport AWS 12.6 11.2 in 1994 91.8
Lucas Heights (ANSTO) 19.5 11.2 in 1994* 96.4

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




Record highest January temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Taralga Post Office 39.0 on the 7th 38.8 on the 30th in 2003 57 26.1
Katoomba (Murri St) 36.7 on the 7th 36.4 on the 12th in 2013 56 23.3
Prospect Reservoir 45.3 on the 7th 45.1 on the 18th in 2013 53 28.5
Mount Boyce AWS 37.0 on the 7th 36.1 on the 12th in 2007 27 24.0
Mangrove Mountain AWS 44.0 on the 7th 43.6 on the 18th in 2013 24 27.2
Canterbury Racecourse AWS 44.9 on the 7th 44.6 on the 18th in 2013 23 27.8
Penrith Lakes AWS 47.3 on the 7th 46.5 on the 18th in 2013 23 30.8
Narrandera Airport AWS 45.4 on the 7th = 45.4 on the 13th in 2016 22 33.3
Horsley Park Equestrian Centre AWS 45.6 on the 7th 44.9 on the 18th in 2013 21 29.8



Record lowest January daily maximum temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Broken Hill Airport AWS 20.4 on the 30th 20.6 on the 16th in 2005 30 33.5



Record highest January mean daily maximum temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Katoomba (Murri St) 27.2 = 27.2 in 1919 90 23.3
Paterson (Tocal AWS) 33.0 32.9 in 2017 43 29.8
Guyra Hospital 26.4 = 26.4 in 2001 31 24.1
Cessnock Airport AWS 33.7 33.3 in 1969 26 30.1
Mount Boyce AWS 27.4 27.2 in 2017 26 24.0
Mudgee Airport AWS 33.9 33.7 in 2017 26 30.7
Nullo Mountain AWS 27.8 26.8 in 2001 26 24.0
Scone Airport AWS 35.7 34.9 in 2017 26 31.5
Tamworth Airport AWS 35.9 35.6 in 2014 25 32.6
Richmond RAAF 34.2 34.1 in 2017 24 30.2
Armidale Airport AWS 28.7 28.6 in 2003 23 26.0
Inverell (Raglan St) 33.4 32.9 in 2014 22 30.6
Penrith Lakes AWS 34.8 33.9 in 2017 22 30.8
Armidale (Tree Group Nursery) 29.2 29.1 in 2017 20 26.8
Deniliquin Airport AWS 35.5 = 35.5 in 2001 20 33.1
Horsley Park Equestrian Centre AWS 32.6 32.5 in 2017 20 29.8
Tibooburra Airport 40.6 40.2 in 2013 20 37.5

Highest January mean daily maximum temperature for at least 20 years
Observed
(°C)
Most recent
higher
Average for
January
Tocumwal Airport 35.1 36.6 in 1981 31.8
Woolbrook (Danglemah Road) 31.5 31.6 in 1981* 27.6
Gulgong Post Office 34.7 34.9 in 1981* 31.0
Coonabarabran (Showgrounds) 34.3 34.7 in 1993* 31.7
Inverell Research Centre 33.0 33.4 in 1994* 29.5

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




Record highest January daily minimum temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Condobolin Ag Research Stn 30.7 on the 7th = 30.7 on the 18th in 2003 53 18.3
Bankstown Airport AWS 24.8 on the 28th 24.4 on the 14th in 2017 50 18.2
Narooma (Marine Rescue) 22.0 on the 28th 21.8 on the 18th in 2017 32 16.6
Batemans Bay (Catalina Country Club) 23.1 on the 13th 22.3 on the 25th in 2001 27 15.7
Mudgee Airport AWS 24.8 on the 8th 24.4 on the 18th in 2017 27 15.9
Ulladulla AWS 22.8 on the 28th 22.6 on the 31st in 2017 27 17.3
Young Airport 24.1 on the 24th 24.0 on the 24th in 2001 27 14.7
Wanaaring Post Office 32.6 on the 7th 32.4 on the 18th in 2017 26 22.0
Nelson Bay (Nelson Head) 24.0 on the 26th = 24.0 on the 13th in 1971 21 18.9
Merimbula Airport AWS 22.5 on the 28th 21.9 on the 31st in 2017 20 15.2



Record lowest January temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Murwillumbah (Bray Park) 13.2 on the 19th 13.7 on the 1st in 1978 44 19.8
Mangrove Mountain AWS 9.5 on the 18th 9.6 on the 18th in 2009 24 16.9



Record highest January mean daily minimum temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Nullo Mountain AWS 15.8 15.6 in 2017 26 13.6



Record highest January mean temperature
New record
(°C)
Old
record
Years of
record
Average for
January
Nullo Mountain AWS 22.1 21.2 in 2017 26 18.8



Summary statistics for January 2018
Maximum temperatures
(°C)
Minimum temperatures
(°C)
Rainfall
(millimetres)
Mean for
January
2018
Diff
from
average
Highest for
January
2018
Mean for
January
2018
Diff
from
average
Lowest for
January
2018
Total for
January
2018
Average
for
January
Rank of
January
2018
Fraction of
January
average
Western (Far Northwest) (district 46)
Fowlers Gap AWS 38.8 +2.6 45.2 6th 23.3 +1.3 15.0 14th 1.8 39.6 v low 5%
Smithville AWS 40.5   46.5 28th 24.3   16.9 31st 20.6
Tibooburra Airport 40.6 +3.1 46.3 23rd 25.5 +1.7 18.0 31st 10.2 20.4 average 50%
White Cliffs AWS 39.7 +2.8 45.7 7th 24.7 +1.5 16.4 14th 6.4 32.2 v low 20%
Wilcannia Aerodrome AWS 39.5 +2.8 46.4 22nd 21.6 +0.8 15.3 14th 5.6 26.4 average 21%
Western (Lower Darling) (district 47)
Broken Hill Airport AWS 36.8 +3.3 44.3 21st 21.2 +2.1 12.8 14th 4.8 28.3 average 17%
Lake Victoria Storage 35.6 +3.4 45.5 6th 18.7 +2.1 11.8 14th 8.7 20.0 average 44%
Menindee Post Office 38.4 +4.0 46.5 6th 21.8 +3.2 14.5 14th 8.4 23.8 average 35%
Mulurulu AWS 37.2   45.5 20th 20.5   12.5 14th 14.2
Pooncarie Mail Agency 37.9 +2.2 46.7 20th 20.8 +1.8 12.8 14th 10.2 23.1 average 44%
Western (Upper Darling) (district 48)
Bourke Airport AWS 40.2 +3.0 45.4 12th 23.7 +1.4 17.1 15th 26.2 31.1 average 84%
Cobar Airport AWS 37.1 +1.8 43.5 12th 20.8 +0.2 11.0 15th 11.4 35.4 average 32%
Cobar MO 38.2 +4.0 44.6 12th 22.6 +2.0 14.6 15th 6.2 44.8 low 14%
Collarenebri (Albert St) 37.8 +2.2 42.8 12th 22.9 +2.3 15.6 18th 16.4 68.1 low 24%
Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Cent 38.3 +2.3 42.4 8th 23.9 +1.4 18.5 15th 14.9 50.6 low 29%
Noona AWS 38.6   45.4 12th 23.1   14.9 14th 21.2
Wanaaring (Delta AWS) 40.0   45.2 7th 23.4   15.4 17th 26.8
Wanaaring Post Office 40.5 +3.6 45.7 22nd 23.9 +1.9 15.7 17th 6.2 34.8 average 18%
Western (Southwest Plains) (district 49)
Balranald (RSL) 36.0 +3.0 44.9 20th 18.9 +2.4 9.8 14th 18.8 22.5 average 84%
Euabalong (Mount Hope AWS) 37.3   45.9 7th 19.7   12.2 14th 32.8
Ivanhoe Aerodrome AWS 38.1 +2.3 46.1 7th 21.9 +1.3 13.0 14th 25.0 16.9 average 148%
Central Western Plains (South) (district 50)
Condobolin Ag Research Stn 36.3 +2.4 45.1 7th 20.1 +1.8 12.1 15th 28.6 46.9 average 61%
Condobolin Airport AWS 36.8 +2.6 45.8 7th 19.8 +0.9 12.3 15th 26.2 36.6 average 72%
Peak Hill Post Office 36.4 +3.2 44.0 7th 21.0 +1.7 13.4 14th 15.4 58.6 low 26%
West Wyalong Airport AWS 35.5 +1.5 45.5 7th 18.7 +0.5 11.2 14th 31.2 27.7 high 113%
Central Western Plains (North) (district 51)
Coonamble Airport AWS 37.5 +2.5 42.5 7th 21.6 +1.4 13.7 15th 28.4 48.5 average 59%
Nyngan (Girilambone (Okeh) AWS) 38.6   45.0 7th 22.4   16.8 18th 23.2
Nyngan Airport 37.2 +2.9 43.5 7th 21.4 +1.9 15.5 15th
Trangie Research Station AWS 36.9 +3.5 43.4 7th 20.6 +2.1 12.9 15th 26.2 53.0 average 49%
Walgett (Brewon AWS) 39.1   44.2 12th 22.6   13.8 15th 16.2
Northwest Plains (West) (district 52)
Mungindi Post Office 39.7 +4.2 43.1 20th 23.1 +2.5 16.6 15th 4.8 70.4 v low 7%
Walgett Airport AWS 39.0 +3.4 43.8 12th 21.9 +1.3 13.0 18th 7.8 56.9 v low 14%
Northwest Plains (East) (district 53)
Moree Aero 37.1 +3.2 41.1 20th 22.3 +2.2 15.7 16th 19.4 81.0 v low 24%
Northwest Slopes (North) (district 54)
Narrabri Airport AWS 37.1 +2.6 41.7 20th 21.5 +1.3 15.0 18th 38.8 71.3 low 54%
Northwest Slopes (South) (district 55)
Gunnedah Airport AWS 36.7 +2.4 41.3 8th 18.7 +0.4 12.7 17th 17.8 51.2 average 35%
Gunnedah Resource Centre 35.5 +3.5 40.7 8th 20.9 +2.0 12.6 15th 39.6 83.1 average 48%
Quirindi Post Office 35.9 +3.6 42.0 8th 15.7 -0.8 10.0 15th 39.2 80.2 low 49%
Tamworth Airport AWS 35.9 +3.3 40.9 8th 18.1 +0.7 7.6 17th 22.0 61.4 low 36%
Woolbrook (Danglemah Road) 31.5 +3.9 36.5 22nd 12.3 -0.3 3.0 17th 33.7 98.7 v low 34%
Northern Tablelands (West) (district 56)
Armidale (Tree Group Nursery) 29.2 +2.4 34.2 8th 12.3 -0.6 3.8 17th 67.8 86.9 average 78%
Armidale Airport AWS 28.7 +2.7 34.0 7th 13.4 +0.1 5.0 17th 92.6 91.0 average 102%
Glen Innes Airport AWS 28.7 +2.4 32.6 8th 12.5 -0.4 4.8 19th 59.0 100.8 low 59%
Guyra Hospital 26.4 +2.3 30.5 23rd 12.4 +0.2 4.1 17th 75.6 119.9 low 63%
Inverell (Raglan St) 33.4 +2.8 37.5 23rd 15.7 +0.4 9.2 18th 25.6 95.2 v low 27%
Inverell Research Centre 33.0 +3.5 37.2 20th 16.9 +0.5 11.6 17th 34.0 99.9 low 34%
Tenterfield (Federation Park) 28.2 +1.1 32.0 9th 13.9 -0.5 5.5 16th 36.7 114.4 v low 32%
Northern Tablelands (East) (district 57)
Tabulam (Muirne) 28.9 +1.8 35.2 13th 17.5 +0.4 12.7 15th 79.4 183.4 low 43%
Upper North Coast (district 58)
Ballina Airport AWS 28.6 +0.3 33.3 13th 19.4 -0.3 12.5 19th 91.2 173.9 average 52%
Byron Bay (Cape Byron AWS) 28.3 +0.5 32.7 27th 21.0 -0.2 17.1 17th
Casino Airport AWS 31.9 +1.6 39.5 13th 18.4 -0.7 12.2 17th 69.6 134.4 low 52%
Evans Head RAAF Bombing Range AWS 30.0 +1.6 40.7 13th 19.8 -0.1 16.2 17th 76.4 152.8 low 50%
Grafton Airport AWS 31.2 +1.2 36.2 13th 18.2 -0.8 12.3 20th 40.0 126.3 low 32%
Grafton Research Stn 31.5 +1.3 35.8 13th 19.2 +0.3 13.9 20th 78.0 133.9 low 58%
Lismore Airport AWS 31.1 +1.1 38.4 13th 17.9 -0.9 12.4 19th 63.2 152.0 low 42%
Murwillumbah (Bray Park) 30.7 +1.1 37.7 13th 19.7 -0.1 13.2 19th 74.0 208.5 low 35%
Yamba Pilot Station 28.3 +1.6 32.8 13th 20.4 +0.2 15.4 17th 41.2 139.2 low 30%
Lower North Coast (district 59)
Coffs Harbour Airport 28.5   38.0 13th 19.3   12.0 18th 65.2
Dorrigo (Old Coramba Rd) 26.1 +1.8 33.0 7th 14.9 -0.1 9.0 18th 83.1 275.2 low 30%
Kempsey Airport AWS 30.1 +0.8 35.8 13th 17.2 -0.6 10.3 18th 29.6 118.4 v low 25%
South West Rocks (Smoky Cape Lighthouse) 28.7 +1.8 32.0 13th 20.3 +0.7 15.5 15th 72.0 145.8 low 49%
Manning (district 60)
Forster - Tuncurry Marine Rescue 26.7 +0.2 35.5 13th 19.7 +0.2 14.3 19th 91.6 110.6 average 83%
Port Macquarie Airport AWS 28.4 +0.7 35.1 13th 18.4 0.0 11.3 19th 53.2 150.8 low 35%
Taree Airport AWS 29.4 +0.5 37.3 7th 18.1 -0.2 11.1 20th 21.0 94.0 low 22%
Yarras (Mount Seaview) 31.0 +1.9 39.8 7th 17.8 +0.2 10.1 18th 215.2 247.4 average 87%
Hunter (district 61)
Cessnock Airport AWS 33.7 +3.6 43.7 7th 16.9 0.0 7.7 18th 6.0 78.5 low 8%
Cooranbong (Lake Macquarie AWS) 29.8   43.4 7th 17.2   8.8 18th 10.6 119.5 v low 9%
Gosford AWS 29.0   43.7 7th 18.9   12.3 18th 26.6
Maitland Airport AWS 33.2   43.2 7th 17.9   9.8 18th 9.6
Mangrove Mountain AWS 30.3 +3.1 44.0 7th 16.9 0.0 9.5 18th 27.0 103.3 v low 26%
Merriwa (Roscommon) 34.8 +3.8 41.7 7th 17.1 +0.6 9.1 18th 32.6 77.5 low 42%
Murrurundi Gap AWS 31.3 +3.2 37.3 7th 17.5 +1.1 9.9 18th 49.2 67.0 average 73%
Nelson Bay (Nelson Head) 26.9 -0.4 32.5 13th 20.4 +1.5 15.3 17th 43.7 100.5 low 43%
Newcastle Nobbys Signal Station AWS 26.2 +0.6 41.4 7th 20.4 +1.2 15.9 18th 9.8 89.5 v low 11%
Newcastle University 30.8 +1.6 42.9 7th 19.6 +0.2 12.4 18th 16.8 88.1 low 19%
Norah Head AWS 27.5 +1.5 33.6 7th 20.1 +0.4 15.3 18th 24.8 82.5 low 30%
Paterson (Tocal AWS) 33.0 +3.2 43.6 7th 18.1 +0.4 10.5 18th 16.4 108.2 v low 15%
Scone Airport AWS 35.7 +4.2 42.6 7th 18.1 +1.2 9.5 18th 5.0 61.8 v low 8%
Singleton (Defence) 34.1   43.7 7th 18.9   12.2 18th 14.2
Singleton STP 34.6 +2.9 44.1 7th     8.9 20th 3.3 64.3 v low 5%
Williamtown RAAF 30.6 +2.5 43.7 7th 18.6 +0.5 12.3 19th 15.4 99.9 v low 15%
Central Tablelands (North) (district 62)
Gulgong Post Office 34.7 +3.7 40.7 7th 18.7 +1.9 11.7 17th 26.8 70.5 low 38%
Mudgee Airport AWS 33.9 +3.2 40.5 7th 16.9 +1.0 8.6 17th 20.6 66.0 low 31%
Nullo Mountain AWS 27.8 +3.8 34.5 7th 15.8 +2.2 9.4 16th 36.4 96.7 low 38%
Central Tablelands (South) (district 63)
Bathurst Airport AWS 31.5 +2.9 38.8 7th 14.9 +1.2 7.5 15th 43.8 58.5 average 75%
Katoomba (Murri St) 27.2 +3.9 36.7 7th 15.1 +2.3 7.7 14th 65.0 161.9 low 40%
Lithgow (Cooerwull) 28.6 +2.4 36.9 7th 12.9 -0.5 5.9 18th 59.4 83.9 average 71%
Marrangaroo (Defence) 28.4   36.7 7th 11.6   4.0 18th 40.4
Mount Boyce AWS 27.4 +3.4 37.0 7th 14.6 +1.3 7.2 15th 54.0 116.2 low 46%
Oberon (Springbank) 27.7 +2.8 34.7 7th 12.8 +1.9 4.5 17th 54.8 79.6 average 69%
Orange Airport AWS 29.3 +2.2 37.0 7th 13.5 +0.8 4.4 15th 50.8 60.3 average 84%
Springwood (Valley Heights) 30.8 +2.2 43.2 7th 17.3 +0.1 12.0 14th 40.6 125.4 low 32%
Central Western Slopes (North) (district 64)
Coonabarabran (Showgrounds) 34.3 +2.6 39.7 7th 17.4 +2.4 11.3 17th 43.9 90.1 average 49%
Coonabarabran Airport AWS 33.2 +2.3 38.6 8th 19.3 +1.4 11.3 15th 54.8 74.9 average 73%
Dunedoo Post Office 35.6 +3.6 42.6 7th 19.6 +2.6 13.0 15th 49.4 69.6 average 71%
Central Western Slopes (South) (district 65)
Cowra Airport AWS 34.6 +1.0 42.6 7th 17.6 +0.7 10.4 15th 25.0 35.2 average 71%
Dubbo Airport AWS 36.0 +2.8 42.6 7th 19.2 +1.0 11.6 15th 28.6 56.6 average 51%
Forbes Airport AWS 35.8 +1.6 44.4 7th 18.4 +0.3 10.9 15th 23.2 28.2 average 82%
Parkes Airport AWS 35.2 +1.7 43.2 7th 18.6 +1.1 10.0 15th 35.2 62.2 average 57%
Wellington (D&J Rural) 35.2 +2.3 41.8 7th 19.3 +2.4 11.5 15th 32.7 59.2 average 55%
Metropolitan (East) (district 66)
Bankstown Airport AWS 31.3 +3.0 45.2 7th 18.8 +0.6 12.2 18th 12.6 91.8 v low 14%
Canterbury Racecourse AWS 29.7 +1.9 44.9 7th 18.7 +0.3 11.9 18th 24.6 80.8 low 30%
Holsworthy Aerodrome AWS 30.7   45.2 7th 17.7   10.5 18th 22.2
Parramatta North (Masons Drive) 31.3 +2.8 45.0 7th 17.9 +0.3 11.0 18th 29.2 103.1 low 28%
Sydney (Observatory Hill Comparison) 28.5   42.5 7th 19.8   14.5 14th 41.2
Sydney (Observatory Hill) 27.8 +1.8 43.4 7th 20.1 +1.4 14.8 14th 37.8 101.7 low 37%
Sydney Airport AMO 29.2 +2.6 43.7 7th 20.1 +1.2 14.9 14th 27.6 94.6 low 29%
Sydney Harbour (Wedding Cake West) 24.5 -0.2 33.0 13th 20.4 +0.1 15.5 14th
Sydney Olympic Park AWS (Archery Centre) 30.1   44.5 7th 19.2   12.6 18th 29.8
Terrey Hills AWS 28.1 +1.4 42.7 7th 18.3 -0.1 13.0 14th
Metropolitan (West) (district 67)
Badgerys Creek AWS 32.7 +2.7 45.0 7th 17.6 +0.5 10.6 18th 32.2 79.4 low 41%
Horsley Park Equestrian Centre AWS 32.6 +2.8 45.6 7th 17.8 0.0 10.5 18th 17.6 75.7 low 23%
Penrith Lakes AWS 34.8 +4.0 47.3 7th 18.9 +0.3 12.4 18th 36.4 94.8 average 38%
Prospect Reservoir     45.3 7th 18.1 +0.4 11.2 18th 32.4 95.3 low 34%
Richmond RAAF 34.2 +4.0 46.3 7th 18.0 +0.3 10.5 18th 19.2 81.7 v low 24%
Illawarra (district 68)
Albion Park (Wollongong Airport) 28.1 +1.2 41.3 7th 17.0 +0.1 8.6 18th 56.0 72.9 average 77%
Camden Airport AWS 32.9 +3.3 45.7 7th 17.5 +0.6 9.7 18th 41.2 79.8 average 52%
Campbelltown (Mount Annan) 32.7 +2.6 45.1 7th 17.3 +0.4 10.5 18th 28.6 80.7 v low 35%
High Range AWS (Wanganderry) 28.4   39.2 7th 14.9   7.0 14th 75.4
Holsworthy (Defence) 31.2   45.9 7th 17.1   10.4 18th 46.8
Jervis Bay (Point Perpendicular) 25.7 +0.7 35.3 7th 18.9 +0.5 13.4 14th 68.6 89.0 average 77%
Kiama (Bombo Headland) 25.6 +0.5 33.1 7th 19.0 +0.1 13.5 14th 69.0 83.4 average 83%
Moss Vale AWS 28.7 +2.6 39.6 7th 14.4 +0.4 6.2 18th 53.2 59.8 average 89%
Nowra RAN Air Station AWS 29.7 +2.1 42.5 7th 16.8 +0.3 11.9 14th 69.2 63.2 average 109%
South Coast (district 69)
Batemans Bay (Catalina Country Club) 26.8 +0.9 32.3 20th 16.5 +0.8 10.1 18th 92.6 88.1 average 105%
Bega AWS 27.6 +0.4 37.8 19th 15.7 +0.7 9.1 18th 89.0 49.0 v high 182%
Braidwood Racecourse AWS 29.4 +2.6 40.5 7th 13.3 +1.1 5.5 18th 64.2 60.3 average 106%
Green Cape AWS 24.4 +0.8 28.3 20th 18.3 +1.0 13.3 14th 0 61.4 lowest 0%
Merimbula Airport AWS 26.2 +1.4 31.8 19th 17.2 +2.0 10.5 4th 38.2 61.3 average 62%
Moruya Airport AWS 26.3 +0.9 31.9 7th 16.4 +0.8 10.1 18th 94.2 61.9 high 152%
Moruya Heads Pilot Station 25.0 +1.1 29.3 24th 17.6 +1.6 11.5 14th 92.2 94.7 average 97%
Narooma (Marine Rescue) 24.7 +1.0 29.3 24th 17.7 +1.1 11.8 3rd 88.4 90.9 average 97%
Nerriga AWS 29.7   40.4 7th 13.6   6.3 18th 49.8
Ulladulla AWS 25.1 +0.9 31.7 7th 18.2 +0.9 11.7 14th 75.2 90.8 average 83%
Southern Tablelands (Goulburn-Monaro) (district 70)
Bombala (Therry Street) 28.0 +2.5 37.0 7th 12.6 +2.2 4.5 17th 95.6 63.8 high 150%
Bombala AWS 27.1 +1.6 35.6 20th 12.4 +1.7 4.7 17th 133.0 49.0 highest 271%
Canberra Airport 31.6 +3.4 40.6 7th 14.4 +1.1 7.2 17th 38.0 58.0 average 66%
Cooma Airport AWS 27.4 +0.9 36.7 7th 11.6 +0.9 4.0 17th 70.8 54.0 average 131%
Cooma Visitors Centre 28.9 +1.6 38.2 7th 12.0 +1.2 4.5 17th 69.2 58.3 average 119%
Goulburn Airport AWS 30.7 +2.8 39.9 7th 13.0 +0.3 4.4 18th 53.2 49.1 average 108%
Goulburn TAFE 30.6 +2.8 40.0 7th 14.9 +1.2 7.5 15th 94.2 61.9 high 152%
Mount Ginini AWS 21.7 +0.9 30.3 7th 11.1 +1.2 0.1 14th 111.6 74.5 high 150%
Taralga Post Office 29.7 +3.6 39.0 7th 12.9 +1.0 5.0 15th 71.0 72.8 average 98%
Tuggeranong (Isabella Plains) AWS 31.0 +1.5 39.4 7th 14.8 +0.5 8.1 15th 37.4 53.5 average 70%
Southern Tablelands (Snowy Mountains) (district 71)
Perisher Valley AWS 20.4   27.6 20th 7.8   -0.2 17th 144.4
Thredbo AWS 17.9 +1.6 25.4 20th 8.6 +1.8 -1.4 14th 149.2 99.7 high 150%
Thredbo Village 23.6 +2.2 32.5 7th 8.8 +1.5 -0.5 17th 126.6 110.0 high 115%
Southwest Slopes (South) (district 72)
Albury Airport AWS 34.3 +2.1 43.1 21st 17.9 +1.4 10.8 14th 30.6 38.2 average 80%
Cabramurra SMHEA AWS 22.0 +0.6 30.2 7th 12.9 +1.4 1.4 14th 139.2 63.0 high 221%
Hume Reservoir 33.6 +2.8 41.7 21st 19.5 +3.0 12.0 14th 40.4 46.2 average 87%
Khancoban AWS 32.0 +0.4 40.1 7th 14.5 +1.0 7.0 17th 66.8 49.8 high 134%
Tumbarumba Post Office 31.4 +2.6 40.0 7th 14.1 +2.0 6.0 15th 51.4 62.7 average 82%
Wagga Wagga AMO 34.3 +2.6 44.1 7th 18.3 +2.0 9.8 14th 49.8 40.5 average 123%
Southwest Slopes (North) (district 73)
Burrinjuck Dam     41.6 7th 16.7 +1.2 9.4 14th 37.9 62.0 average 61%
Cootamundra Airport 32.8 +0.8 42.1 7th 16.7 +0.8 10.4 18th 67.0 42.8 high 157%
Grenfell (Manganese Rd) 33.6 +1.8 42.3 7th 17.0 +0.7 8.5 15th 55.6 51.8 average 107%
Gundagai (Nangus Rd) 33.4 +0.8 41.0 21st 17.4 +0.7 10.6 15th 57.8 41.2 high 140%
Temora Airport 34.4 +0.6 44.3 7th 17.1 -0.1 9.4 15th 65.8 37.9 v high 174%
Young Airport 33.1 +1.3 42.3 7th 15.7 +1.0 8.4 15th 39.2 40.6 average 97%
Riverina (East) (district 74)
Corowa Airport 34.7 +2.7 43.5 20th 17.6 +1.9 9.0 14th 28.6 36.6 average 78%
Deniliquin Airport AWS 35.5 +2.4 44.2 20th 17.8 +1.2 9.4 14th 19.0 23.5 average 81%
Kapooka (Defence) 34.5   44.5 7th 18.0   10.1 14th 51.8
Narrandera Airport AWS 35.5 +2.2 45.4 7th 19.0 +1.5 10.9 14th 29.0 34.7 average 84%
Tocumwal Airport 35.1 +3.3 43.5 20th 18.1 +2.0 10.5 14th 24.2 33.0 average 73%
Yanco Agricultural Institute 35.8 +1.9 44.7 7th 20.4 +1.6 10.8 14th 24.2 29.3 average 83%
Riverina (West) (district 75)
Griffith Airport AWS 35.9 +2.9 45.7 7th 19.4 +2.3 11.2 14th 17.6 33.7 average 52%
Hay Airport AWS 36.4 +1.6 45.4 21st 19.2 +1.2 10.5 14th 15.2 24.9 average 61%
Hillston Airport 37.6 +4.1 45.2 7th 20.6 +2.2 11.9 14th 19.8 30.8 average 64%
Lake Cargelligo Airport 36.4 +2.3 45.0 7th 20.6 +2.1 12.4 15th 22.2 39.0 average 57%
Note: From 2017, information about Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands can be found in the climate summary for the Remote Islands and Antarctica

Notes

The Monthly climate summary, generally published on the first working day of each month, lists the main features of the weather in New South Wales using the most timely and accurate information available on the date of publication; it will generally not be updated. More extensive discussion of significant weather events, along with later information and data that has had greater opportunity for quality control, will be presented in the Monthly Weather Review.

This statement has been prepared based on information available at 12 pm on Thursday 1 February 2018. Some checks have been made on the data, but it is possible that results will change as new information becomes available.

In some situations, some or all of the rainfall is in the form of hail or snow. In these cases the totals given are for the water equivalent: the depth of liquid water that results from melting any frozen precipitation. There can be significant 'undercatch' of snow in strong winds, meaning the true precipitation can be higher than that reported.

Averages for individual sites are long-term means based on observations from all available years of record, which vary widely from site to site. They are not shown for sites with less than 10 years of record, as they cannot then be calculated reliably.
The median is sometimes more representative than the mean of long-term average rain.

The Rank indicates how rainfall this time compares with the climate record for the site, based on the decile ranking (very low rainfall is in decile 1, low in decile 2 or 3, average in decile 4 to 7, high in decile 8 or 9 and very high is in decile 10).
The Fraction of average shows how much rain has fallen this time as a percentage of the long-term mean.

Where temperature area averages are mentioned, they are derived from the ACORN-SAT dataset.

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