Monday, 3 September 2018 - Seasonal Climate Summary for Victoria - Product code IDCKGC26R0

Victoria in winter 2018: dry in the north and east

Winter rainfall in Victoria was below average across the north and east of the State, while in the southwest and south it was generally close to average. Daytime temperatures were warmer than average for much of the State during winter, tending to average in the southwest. Night time temperatures were cooler than average in much of northern Victoria, and warmer than average in East Gippsland.

Below average rainfall

• Winter rainfall in Victoria was below average across the north and east of the State, with July particularly dry in those areas
• A succession of frontal systems moving across Victoria during winter brought rainfall to the State's southwest and south
• Winter rainfall was above average in the Western District and near-average in eastern parts of the Central district into West Gippsland
• Statewide averaged rainfall was 19% below the winter mean of 203 mm
• The State's highest daily rainfall total, 101.9 mm was recorded at Falls Creek (Rocky Valley) on 13 August, while the wettest place was Mount Buller with 567.2 mm recorded for the season
• On 18 June, Falls Creek, and Wallan (Kilmore Gap) had their highest winter daily rainfall on record
• Combienbar had its lowest total winter rainfall on record and Giffard had its lowest total winter rainfall since 1982

Mild days

• Daytime temperatures during winter were warmer than average across much of Victoria, apart from the southwest and part of the north, owing mostly to persistent mild days through much of July
• Night time temperatures were cooler than average in parts of central and northern Victoria; elsewhere they were close to average, while in East Gippsland night time temperatures were generally warmer than average
• Statewide averaged daytime temperatures during winter were 0.60 °C above average, while night time temperatures were 0.07 °C below average
• There were several periods with low temperatures, for example between 10 and 12 July, 19 and 21 July, and 18 and 20 August
• The lowest daytime temperature during winter, −5.4 °C, was recorded at Mount Hotham on 27 August
• Clear skies and cold, dry air resulted in several very cold mornings across Victoria towards the end of the season, with Mount Hotham recording the State's lowest minimum temperature for winter of −9.8 °C on 29 August
• Several sites had either their lowest winter mean daily minimum temperature on record or their lowest winter mean daily minimum temperature for at least 20 years
• On 11 July, Ballarat Aerodrome equalled its coldest winter day (lowest maximum temperature) on record
• Towards the end of the season on 29 August, Falls Creek had its lowest winter temperature on record
• Winter temperatures in the Victorian Alps averaged about 1 °C cooler than average, with Mount Hotham and Falls Creek having their lowest winter mean temperature on record and Mount Buller its lowest winter mean temperature since 1990

Strong and gusty winds, snow

• Strong, gusty and damaging winds occurred on a number of days through the season, particularly during July and August
• The strongest wind gusts during winter were recorded on the 8th and 20th July, with gusts of 146 km/h reported at Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse on both days
• Cold outbreaks following the passage of cold fronts brought regular snowfalls to Alpine areas this winter

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 lower value has gone unreported

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

* 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