Monday, 1 September 2014 - Seasonal Climate Summary for Tasmania - Product code IDCKGC27R0

Tasmania in winter 2014: mild and dry overall

Despite cool periods scattered through the season, maximum temperatures were generally well above the winter average across Tasmania. Minimum temperatures were nearer average overall but still slightly above the winter average in most parts. Rainfall was generally below average for the season, especially about the north and west of the State.

Winter began with unseaonably mild temperatures, especially about the north where several sites reported their highest winter temperature or highest winter minimum temperature on record. These generally mild conditions continued for much of the first half of the season, with only a few cold fronts bringing cooler temperatures along with rainy conditions and highland snow.

A strong and gusty west to northwesterly flow, with embedded cold fronts, impacted Tasmania towards the end of July. A cluster of thunderstorms caused wind damage in the northwest on the 28th, while the embedded cold fronts crossing the State brought exceptional winds to many areas on the last three days of the month and caused widespread damage about the northern, western and southern districts. Gusts to 174 km/h were reported at Maatsuyker Island and well over 100 km/h at many other sites. There was also heavy rain near the end of July, causing flooding in several rivers. A significant cold front then crossed on 1 August as a low passed close to the south of the State, with snowfalls to around 200 m reported behind this change.

The remainder of the season was exceptionally dry with only two subsequent rain events for the season as a cold front crossed on 10 August and a low passed to the north on 24 August. Between these systems, the second half of winter was dominated by high pressure systems with generally clear skies and light winds. This resulted in above average maximum temperatures, below average overnight minimums with several frosty mornings, and generally dry conditions. It was an especially dry end to winter about the southeast; Hobart reported only 0.4 mm since 12 August.

• a very mild start to the season
• strong and gusty winds, heavy rain and snow during late July and early August
• mild and very dry end to winter

Separate summaries have also been prepared for June, July and August 2014.

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

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

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

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top