Wednesday, 1 March 2023 - Monthly Climate Summary for South Australia - Product code IDCKGC13R0

South Australia in February 2023: drier than average with some hot days

Rainfall totals in February were less than average across most of the state away from the Lower South East district and overall it was the state's driest February since 2019. Daytime temperatures in February were warmer than average throughout the northern half of the state, but were close to average for the month in the eastern Agricultural districts. Night-time temperatures were close to average or cooler than average in the state's east, but were warmer than average in the west. The overall mean temperature was the state's highest in February since 2018.

Drier than average in most areas

• Rainfall totals in February were less than average across most of the state away from the Lower South East district, including large areas in the Pastoral districts than received little or no rain for the month.
• Rainfall for South Australia as a whole was 76% below average, the state's driest February since 2019.
• The highest monthly totals were in the Lower South East district, with 42.0 mm recorded at Nangwarry Forestry SA Depot being the highest.
• The highest daily rainfall totals were recorded in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd as a cold front crossed southern areas of the state, bringing heavy rain in some areas and temperatures that were very much cooler than average.
• Daily rainfall totals of 10–30 mm were recorded in the South East districts on the 3rd and several sites recorded their highest daily rainfall totals in February for several years.

Warmest February since 2018

• Daytime temperatures in February were warmer than average throughout the northern half of the state, but were close to average for the month in the eastern Agricultural districts.
• The mean maximum temperature for South Australia as a whole was 2.01 °C above average, the highest for February since 2015.
• Low-intensity to Severe heatwave conditions affected many areas of South Australia during the month.
• Low-intensity heatwave conditions persisted across areas of northern and western South Australia for 2 weeks from the 8th, and Severe intensity heatwaves affected some southern and eastern areas of the state from the 20th to the 24th.
• On the 22nd, daily maximum temperatures were more than 16 °C above average in the state's west and Nullarbor recorded the highest temperature for the month of 45.2 °C.
• Elliston had its highest February mean daily maximum temperature on record.
• Night-time temperatures were close to average or cooler than average in the state's east, but were warmer than average in the west.
• The mean minimum temperature for South Australia as a whole was 0.63 °C above average, the highest in February since 2018.
• Temperatures were cooler than average near the start of the month and on the 4th, some sites had their lowest February temperature on record.
• On the 24th, towards the end of the heatwave, several sites had their warmest February night on record.
• The state's overall mean temperature was 1.32 °C above average, making it South Australia's overall warmest February since 2018.
• Elliston had its highest February mean temperature since 2001.

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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Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top