Thursday, 1 March 2012 - Seasonal Climate Summary for Western Australia - Product code IDCKGC21R0

Western Australia in summer 2011/12: Wet and warm in the southwest

  • Rainfall: above average for WA; very much above average for southwest WA
  • Maximum temperature: below average for WA; above average for southwest WA
  • Minimum temperature: near average for WA; 3rd hottest on record for southwest WA

Details Extremes Records Summaries Important notes the top

Rainfall

Rainfall during summer 2011/12 was above to very much above average across most of WA, apart from small isolated areas where below average rainfall was recorded, most notably in the Eucla and southeast Goldfields, and north and east Kimberley. When averaged across the state as a whole, rainfall for summer 2011/12 was above average, mostly due to above average rainfall during December 2011, particularly in the southern half of the state, and the 6th wettest January on record for the state. February rainfall was near average for the state as a whole.

Rainfall in the Lower Southwest (southwest of a line from Jurien Bay to Bremer Bay) during summer 2011/12 was very much above average and ranked as 10th wettest since comparable records commenced in 1900, largely due to the Lower Southwest recording its 2nd wettest December on record in 2011, but also above average rainfall in January 2012. Several sites in the western Great Southern, Lower West, and Central West observed their wettest summer on record. The Southwest Land Division (SWLD) as a whole as reported above average summer rainfall in 2011/12.

Significant rainfall events during summer 2011/12

  • A deep middle level trough off the west coast produced the first significant summer rainfall in the SWLD and the adjacent Goldfields and Gascoyne on 6 December 2011. Numerous sites in the Lower West, Central Wheat Belt, and Great Southern observed over 50 mm during the event, though the heaviest downpours occurred in the eastern Central Wheatbelt and northeast Great Southern. Daily rainfall totals of 109.0 mm at Amrista Park and 105.0 mm at Hyden, both in the northeast Great Southern, in the 24 hours to 9am on the 7th were their wettest days on record and in the top ten highest December daily falls on record in the SWLD. A few other sites in the southern Central Wheat Belt also broke their previous wettest summer day on record on the 7th.
  • Another deep mid-level trough off the west coast brought further widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across the SWLD and the adjacent Goldfields and Gascoyne on the evening on the 12th and into the morning of 13 December 2011, with numerous sites in the SWLD and Gascoyne observing their highest December daily rainfall on record. Areas in the Great Southern were hit hardest by the downpour, and the daily total of 125.6 mm at Williams in the Great Southern in the 24 hours to 9am on the 13th was not only their wettest December day in 115 years of record, but also the highest daily rainfall recorded in December in the SWLD. Dwarda Downs in the northwestern Great Southern observed its wettest summer day on record. For more details of these two extreme heavy rainfall events, please see Special Climate Statement 35.
  • Tropical Cyclone Heidi crossed the Pilbara coast near Port Hedland on 12 January 2012 and moved in a generally southerly direction after landfall, bringing very heavy falls to the east Pilbara and west Kimberley, and unconfirmed reports of totals over 300 mm near the TC path. Several January daily rainfall totals were broken, and Carlindie recorded its wettest summer day on record with 130.0 mm in the 24 hours to 9am on the 12th.
  • A surface trough near the west coast produced slow moving thunderstorms in western parts of WA on the 20th January 2012, particularly in the Perth Metropolitan area. Several sites in the Perth hills broke their daily rainfall record for January in more than 100 years of record, whilst Serpentine broke both its daily and monthly record for January with a single daily fall of 60.6 mm.
  • A very active monsoon over northern WA in association with Tropical Cyclone Iggy northwest of the Pilbara coast brought a very wet spell to parts of the Pilbara and Kimberley between 26 and 29 January 2012. Cygnet Bay and Cape Leveque in the west Kimberley both recorded 4 consecutive days of rainfall over 100 mm. Such a sequence of four consecutive days over 100 mm had not been recorded before in WA. The daily fall of 239.8 mm on the 27th at Cape Leveque was its wettest summer day on record, while the 206.8 mm at Cygnet Bay on the 26th was its highest daily total for January on record. The passage of ex-TC Iggy through northern parts of the SWLD early in February brought heavy rainfall to the northern Lower West, southern Central West and Central Wheat Belt. Dandaragan West observed its wettest summer day an record in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.

Maximum temperature

Mean daily maximum temperatures during summer 2011/12 were below to very much below average over much of central WA, with areas of up to 3 °C below normal in the northern Goldfields and eastern Interior. Above to very much above average daytime temperatures were observed in western WA from the Gascoyne to the Southwest, and in the west and north Kimberley, with small areas of up to 2 °C above normal mean maxima around the southwest Capes, the Shark Bay area of the Gascoyne, and the Dampier Peninsula and King Sound region in the west Kimberley. When averaged across the state, the mean maximum temperature for WA during summer 2011/12 was below average, however, the Lower Southwest (southwest of a line from Jurien Bay to Bremer Bay) saw above average daytime temperatures. Cape Naturaliste observed its hottest summer in 107 years of record after observing very much above average December maxima and its hottest January on record, whilst not a record at Cape Leeuwin, summer 2011/12 was its hottest for over 100 years. Pemberton and Jurien Bay recorded their hottest summers on record.

Extremely hot weather was observed in the Pilbara from 20 to 25 December 2011, with numerous sites observing daily maxima over 47 °C, and several sites registering record high December temperatures. The December maximum temperature record for WA was broken on three consecutive days, with Roebourne (49.4 °C on the 21st), Roebourne Airport (49.0 °C on the 21st), Onslow (49.2 °C on the 22nd), and Learmonth Airport (48.9 °C on the 23rd), all surpassing the previous December record for WA of 48.8 °C set at Mardie on 26 December 1986. To further illustrate the significance of the event, Roebourne's 49.4 °C was the 2nd hottest December day on record in Australia, just 0.1 °C below 49.5 °C recorded at Birdsville in Queensland on 24 December 1972, and the equal 5th hottest day on record in WA. Sites in WA have recorded temperatures at or above 48 °C during December on 19 occasions, and 10 of those occurred during this event. For more details of this extreme temperature event, please see Special Climate Statement 37.

A number of hot spells were experienced in western parts of WA during summer 2011/12. The most notable hot spell was in the latter part of January when many sites registered four or more consecutive days with daily maxima over 35 °C. Jurien Bay in the Central West experienced eight consecutive days with daily maxima over 35 °C, equalling its longest hot spell on record (20 to 27 January 1976 and 16 to 23 February 1995).

Minimum temperature

Minimum temperatures were above to very much above average during summer 2011/12 in western and southern parts of WA, with mean minima up to between 2 °C and 3 °C above normal in west coast districts, and a number of sites in the Southwest, South Coastal, Lower West, Great Southern, and Central West observed their warmest summer on record. Below to very much below average overnight temperatures were observed in the west and south Kimberley, far east Pilbara, Interior, east Gascoyne, and northern Goldfields, with areas up to 3 °C cooler than normal in the western central Interior. When averaged across the state, the mean minimum temperature for WA during summer 2011/12 was near average, however, the Lower Southwest experienced its 3rd hottest summer on record after the 4th hottest December, the hottest January, and an above average February (comparable records commenced in 1950). The 3rd warmest summer for the Lower Southwest follows the Lower Southwest's warmest year on record in 2011, and its warmest summer on record in 2010/11.

Notable Events

  • Three tropical cyclones occurred in the WA region during summer 2011/12l; TC Alenga (5-9 December) remained off well to the east of WA, TC Heidi (10-12 January) crossed the coast early on the 12th just to the east of Port Hedland as a category 2 system causing mostly minor damage and some flooding in the east Pilbara, TC Iggy (26 January - 2 February) remained off the WA west coast, though the weakened tropical low crossed the Central West coast bringing heavy rainfall and near gale force winds.
  • On 4 January 2012, a surface trough extending across northern parts of the SWLD to a low pressure system to the west of the Lower West produced thunderstorms over much of the SWLD and adjacent southern Gascoyne and Goldfields, with reports of large hail and damaging wind gusts. Significant damage to houses was reported in Kalannie, Ejanding, and Northam, in the Central Wheat Belt, primarily due to the strong winds. Paynes Find in the southern Gascoyne reported hail up to 3 cm during the evening.
  • A surface trough combined with a mid-level disturbance to the west of the state to cause significant thunderstorm activity in the SWLD and adjacent Gascoyne on 20 January. Thunderstorms began early morning and continued into the afternoon, with the majority of the activity in the metropolitan area clearing during the morning. A number of stations across the northern SWLD and adjacent Gascoyne reported heavy rainfall, particularly in the Lower West. There were numerous requests for help from the SES, mostly dealing with water damage, localised flash flooding, and fallen trees, with the majority of calls received from Mandurah, Rockingham, and the Swan region. Several areas in the Perth region lost power as frequent lightning strikes were a feature of the storms over southern suburbs. Four people were reported to have been struck by lightning, however, none of their injuries were life-threatening.
  • A surface trough produced afternoon thunderstorms through parts of the Gascoyne and SWLD on 20 February 2012. Koorda in the Central Wheat Belt reported flash flooding and power lines down.
  • A mid-level trough combined with a strong surface easterly pressure gradient produced an area of rain and thunderstorms through the Central Wheat Belt and the Great Southern from early morning on 28 February 2012. Roads were damaged by flash flooding near Cuballing.

Further information

Western Australia Climate Services Centre
Bureau of Meteorology
Phone (08) 9263 2222
Email climate.wa@bom.gov.au
Extremes in summer 2011-12
Hottest day 49.4 °C at Roebourne on 21 Dec 2011
49.2 °C at Onslow Airport on 22 Dec 2011
49.0 °C at Roebourne Aero on 21 Dec 2011
Warmest days on average 39.5 °C at Marble Bar
Coolest days on average 23.0 °C at Albany
Coldest day 16.5 °C at Mount Barker on 13 Dec 2011
Coldest night 3.1 °C at Eyre on 11 Feb 2012
Coolest nights on average 13.3 °C at Rocky Gully
Warmest nights on average 27.1 °C at Troughton Island
26.6 °C at Wyndham
Warmest night 33.2 °C at Wittenoom on 22 Dec 2011
Wettest overall 1044.7 mm at Cape Leveque
Wettest day 239.8 mm at Cape Leveque on 27 Jan 2012
Highest wind gust 131 km/h at Port Hedland Airport on 12 Jan 2012

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

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 summer daily rainfall
Highest daily rainfall
in summer 2011-12 (mm) 		Previous wettest
for summer		 Years of
record
Graball 90.0 on 7 Dec 2011 88.4 on 1 Dec 1951 100
Cape Leveque 239.8 on 27 Jan 2012 231.9 on 10 Feb 1939 88
Hyden 105.0 on 7 Dec 2011 100.3 on 2 Jan 1966 84
Nanyanine 97.0 on 7 Dec 2011 70.6 on 17 Feb 1970 74
Carlindie 130.0 on 12 Jan 2012 127.0 on 30 Dec 1947 70
Dandaragan West 56.2 on 3 Feb 2012 55.2 on 29 Jan 1990 58
Amrista Park 109.0 on 7 Dec 2011 101.6 on 17 Feb 1970 57
Dwarda Downs 89.0 on 13 Dec 2011 81.4 on 22 Feb 1986 31


Record highest total summer rainfall
Total rainfall
for summer 2011-12 (mm) 		Previous wettest
for summer		 Years of
record		 Average for
summer
Bannister 215.6 207.4 in 1954 127 37.8
Dandaragan West 142.8 134.4 in 1985 51 32.8
Pearce RAAF 91.2 86.9 in 1952 46 27.7
Culford 153.4 149.2 in 1981 41 41.7
Bindoon 151.0 146.6 in 2005 35 37.4


Record highest summer temperature
Highest temperature
in summer 2011-12 (°C) 		Previous warmest
for summer		 Years of
record		 Average for
summer
Roebourne 49.4 on 21 Dec 2011 49.1 on 18 Feb 1998 56 38.6
Onslow Airport 49.2 on 22 Dec 2011 48.9 on 11 Jan 2008 47 36.2
Learmonth Airport 48.9 on 23 Dec 2011 = 48.9 on 2 Jan 2010 37 37.4


Record highest summer mean daily maximum temperature
Mean daily maximum
temperature
for summer 2011-12 (°C) 		Previous warmest
for summer		 Years of
record		 Average for
summer
Cape Naturaliste 28.1 28.0 in 1999 107 24.9
Pemberton 27.2 27.1 in 1997 66 25.4
Jurien Bay 31.7 31.1 in 2009 41 29.5

Highest summer mean daily maximum temperature for at least 30 years
Mean daily maximum
temperature
for summer 2011-12 (°C) 		Most recent summer
at least this warm		 Years since
warmer		 Average for
summer
Cape Leeuwin 24.4 25.1 in 1909 102 22.7


Record highest summer daily minimum temperature
Highest daily minimum
temperature
in summer 2011-12 (°C) 		Previous warmest
for summer		 Years of
record		 Average for
summer
Hyden 26.5 on 2 Feb 2012 26.3 on 5 Jan 1977 40 15.0


Record highest summer mean daily minimum temperature
Mean daily minimum
temperature
for summer 2011-12 (°C) 		Previous warmest
for summer		 Years of
record		 Average for
summer
Cape Leeuwin 18.5 18.0 in 2010 114 16.6
Bridgetown Comparison 14.4 14.3 in 1977 109 11.7
Cape Naturaliste 16.9 16.7 in 1931 107 14.9
Donnybrook 16.4 16.2 in 1977 103 13.5
Albany 16.7 16.3 in 1917 91 14.8
Perth Airport 18.5 = 18.5 in 2010 67 16.4
Pemberton 14.6 14.1 in 1999 66 12.9
Pearce RAAF 18.5 = 18.5 in 2010 50 16.3
Lancelin 18.8 18.2 in 1994 43 17.2
Brookton 16.7 16.3 in 1991 42 14.9
Jurien Bay 19.0 18.5 in 1999 41 16.8
Kalbarri 20.8 20.5 in 1977 34 19.1

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Summary statistics for summer 2011-12
Maximum temperatures
for summer
(°C)		 Minimum temperatures
for summer
(°C)		 Rainfall
for summer
(millimetres)
Mean for
summer
2011-12		 Diff
from
average		 Highest for
summer
2011-12		 Mean for
summer
2011-12		 Diff
from
average		 Lowest for
summer
2011-12		 Total for
summer
2011-12		 Average
for
summer		 Rank of
summer
2011-12		 Fraction of
summer
average
North Kimberley (district 01)
Kalumburu 34.4 +0.3 38.5 26 Dec 2011 24.1 -0.6 21.0 1 Feb 2012 703.8 844.7 low 83%
Mount Elizabeth 33.9 +0.8 39.0 1 Dec 2011 22.0 -0.1 18.0 12 Feb 2012 476.6 653.7 low 73%
Troughton Island 32.6 +0.6 35.3 21 Dec 2011 27.2 +0.6 21.8 24 Jan 2012 563.4 591.1 average 95%
Wyndham 37.6 +0.6 41.5 25 Dec 2011 26.5 +0.1 22.5 5 Dec 2011 420.4 540.0 average 78%
Wyndham Aero 38.1 +1.5 42.9 1 Dec 2011 26.4 +0.2 22.1 5 Dec 2011 284.4 543.6 low 52%
East Kimberley (district 02)
Argyle Aerodrome 37.6 +1.2 41.9 14 Feb 2012 25.7 +0.1 20.4 20 Feb 2012 275.8 481.6 low 57%
Halls Creek Airport 36.5 -0.3 40.9 26 Dec 2011 23.9 -0.4 19.7 3 Feb 2012 376.4 377.6 average 100%
Kununurra Aero 37.2 +1.3 42.4 26 Dec 2011 24.7 -0.4 21.1 10 Feb 2012        
Warmun 37.4 +0.1 42.0 11 Feb 2012 24.5 -0.3 18.0 3 Feb 2012 358.7 470.3 average 76%
West Kimberley (district 03)
Bidyadanga 34.5 0.0 40.7 8 Feb 2012 25.6 -0.2 21.0 8 Feb 2012 514.2 317.3 high 162%
Broome Airport 34.0 +0.7 40.5 2 Dec 2011 26.4 +0.2 21.5 20 Feb 2012 403.4 414.3 average 97%
Curtin Aero 37.2 +0.5 45.1 1 Dec 2011 24.3 -0.6 18.5 8 Feb 2012 499.0 581.9 low 86%
Derby Aero 36.1 +0.6 44.9 1 Dec 2011 25.4 -0.4 21.1 8 Feb 2012 513.0 467.9 average 110%
Fitzroy Crossing Aero 38.0 +0.3 44.2 1 Dec 2011 24.1 -1.1 17.8 7 Feb 2012 429.2 468.1 average 92%
West Roebuck 35.5 +1.0 41.6 22 Dec 2011 24.8 -0.4 19.8 11 Feb 2012        
De Grey (district 04)
Bedout Island 32.6   36.0 13 Feb 2012 26.9   23.0 14 Jan 2012
Karratha Aero 35.5 -0.2 46.3 21 Dec 2011 25.9 -0.4 21.5 7 Dec 2011 152.8 140.8 average 109%
Legendre Island 32.9   41.7 14 Feb 2012 26.4   21.4 25 Feb 2012
Marble Bar 39.5 -1.4 48.4 21 Dec 2011 25.4 -1.0 19.7 8 Feb 2012 233.8 175.6 high 133%
Pardoo Station 36.0 -0.1 44.4 14 Feb 2012 24.6 -0.9 20.4 9 Feb 2012 319.2 161.9 high 197%
Port Hedland Airport 35.4 -1.0 43.0 20 Dec 2011 24.8 -0.2 20.9 8 Feb 2012 272.4 175.2 high 155%
Roebourne 38.1 -0.5 49.4 21 Dec 2011 25.1 -0.7 20.1 16 Dec 2011 173.2 138.6 average 125%
Roebourne Aero 37.7 -1.0 49.0 21 Dec 2011 25.1 -0.7 21.1 2 Dec 2011 212.2 154.7 high 137%
Fortescue (district 05)
Barrow Island Airport 32.8 0.0 39.2 24 Dec 2011 25.9 +0.5 22.6 1 Dec 2011 115.2 91.1 average 126%
Learmonth Airport 37.2 -0.2 48.9 23 Dec 2011 22.9 +0.4 16.2 2 Dec 2011 118.4 83.0 high 143%
Mardie 36.5 -1.2 48.5 21 Dec 2011 24.9 +0.5 20.6 7 Dec 2011 100.6 107.3 average 94%
Onslow 35.1 -0.4 48.7 22 Dec 2011 24.8 +1.6 19.4 3 Dec 2011 73.7 86.5 average 85%
Onslow Airport 35.8 -0.4 49.2 22 Dec 2011 24.5 +0.7 19.2 3 Dec 2011 67.8 109.8 average 62%
Wittenoom 37.9 -1.1 46.0 21 Dec 2011 25.0 -0.6 20.0 10 Jan 2012 472.6 268.3 high 176%
West Gascoyne (district 06)
Carnarvon Airport 32.5 +1.5 43.7 28 Jan 2012 23.3 +1.2 17.4 2 Dec 2011 36.4 38.7 average 94%
Denham 31.8 +1.4 43.0 24 Jan 2012 23.7 +2.0 19.6 2 Dec 2011 7.0 25.6 average 27%
Emu Creek Station 39.0 -1.5 48.2 24 Dec 2011 24.0 +0.1 17.6 7 Dec 2011 181.3 127.3 high 142%
Murchison 37.5 -0.9 43.2 29 Jan 2012 22.4 +0.8 15.7 7 Dec 2011 73.4 68.3 average 107%
Shark Bay Airport 34.5 +1.2 44.8 24 Jan 2012 22.1 +1.1 17.6 2 Dec 2011 8.2 52.0 average 16%
East Gascoyne (district 07)
Newman Aero 37.2 -1.2 45.2 25 Dec 2011 23.9 -0.3 16.8 8 Feb 2012 265.8 179.2 high 148%
Paraburdoo Aero 39.3 -0.6 46.9 25 Dec 2011 25.0 -0.1 19.8 9 Jan 2012 283.8 160.6 high 177%
Murchison (district 07A)
Meekatharra Airport 35.8 -1.3 43.4 23 Dec 2011 22.5 -0.9 16.5 8 Jan 2012 129.0 78.8 high 164%
Mount Magnet Aero 35.4 -1.2 41.9 29 Jan 2012 22.1 -0.4 15.6 6 Feb 2012 96.6 87.2 average 111%
North Coast (district 08)
Carnamah 35.2 +0.2 42.5 20 Feb 2012 19.6 +1.7 13.5 19 Dec 2011 25.7 34.8 average 74%
Dalwallinu 33.9 -0.5 41.4 28 Jan 2012 18.1 +0.8 11.9 5 Feb 2012 92.0 48.7 high 189%
Dalwallinu Comparison 33.8 -0.4 41.3 28 Jan 2012 18.7 +1.1 12.3 5 Feb 2012 101.2 43.5 v high 233%
Geraldton Airport 32.7   43.7 25 Jan 2012 20.1   13.9 27 Feb 2012 7.0
Kalbarri 33.6 +0.8 44.8 27 Jan 2012 20.8 +1.7 12.0 28 Feb 2012 14.6 17.0 average 86%
Morawa Airport 36.2 -0.1 42.7 28 Jan 2012 20.1 +1.1 13.6 6 Feb 2012 31.6 59.4 average 53%
Mullewa 36.0 +0.1 42.7 28 Jan 2012 20.4 +1.7 14.7 20 Dec 2011 13.3 39.5 average 34%
North Island 29.1 +2.0 35.0 26 Jan 2012 22.4 +1.5 18.3 8 Feb 2012 11.2 11.0 average 102%
Wongan Hills 33.7 0.0 41.5 28 Jan 2012 18.3 +1.1 11.5 5 Feb 2012 44.4 39.1 average 114%
Central Coast (district 09)
Badgingarra Research Stn 33.1 -0.7 41.1 28 Jan 2012 18.2 +1.7 10.7 19 Dec 2011 104.6 34.7 v high 301%
Bickley 29.1 -0.7 38.0 26 Jan 2012 16.1 +1.3 9.2 5 Feb 2012 120.8 51.0 v high 237%
Champion Lakes 30.9   40.6 28 Jan 2012 19.2   12.1 8 Jan 2012 99.0
Garden Island HSF 28.7 +1.8 40.2 25 Jan 2012 19.7 +1.4 13.9 5 Feb 2012 73.8 30.9 v high 239%
Gingin Aero 32.5 +0.3 41.3 28 Jan 2012 18.0 +2.2 10.4 8 Jan 2012 78.8 34.0 high 232%
Jandakot Aero 31.5 +1.0 41.5 26 Jan 2012 18.0 +2.0 8.8 26 Feb 2012 68.4 43.3 high 158%
Jurien Bay 31.7 +2.2 43.2 24 Jan 2012 19.0 +2.2 12.5 8 Jan 2012 41.1 28.9 high 142%
Karnet 29.2 -0.6 39.0 28 Jan 2012 16.1 +1.3 8.1 8 Jan 2012 124.0 55.3 v high 224%
Lancelin 31.1 +2.5 42.7 25 Jan 2012 18.8 +1.6 12.0 8 Jan 2012 108.0 29.2 v high 370%
Medina Research Centre 31.3 +1.3 41.8 26 Jan 2012 18.7 +2.2 10.6 8 Jan 2012 101.6 42.9 v high 237%
Pearce RAAF 32.3 0.0 41.3 26 Jan 2012 18.5 +2.2 10.9 8 Jan 2012 91.2 27.7 highest 329%
Perth Airport 31.8 +1.0 41.5 26 Jan 2012 18.5 +2.1 9.6 26 Feb 2012 112.6 35.6 v high 316%
Perth Metro 31.7 +1.3 42.1 28 Jan 2012 19.1 +1.7 12.1 26 Feb 2012 118.2 35.4 v high 334%
Rottnest Island 27.8 +1.7 39.5 25 Jan 2012 20.0 +1.4 14.6 5 Feb 2012 90.2 27.8 v high 324%
Swanbourne 31.1 +1.9 43.1 26 Jan 2012 19.2 +1.6 13.1 8 Jan 2012 92.6 34.2 v high 271%
South Coast (district 09A)
Albany 23.0 +0.5 31.4 21 Jan 2012 16.7 +1.9 11.4 17 Jan 2012 80.8 76.7 average 105%
Albany Airport Comparison 24.8 +0.5 37.0 21 Jan 2012 14.4 +0.9 8.0 17 Jan 2012 76.8 74.4 average 103%
Bridgetown Comparison 29.7 +0.7 40.4 27 Jan 2012 14.4 +2.7 7.4 6 Feb 2012 62.4 47.9 high 130%
Bunbury 29.9 +1.0 40.4 25 Jan 2012 16.8 +2.0 8.7 5 Feb 2012 44.8 35.2 high 127%
Busselton Aero 30.3 +1.0 40.2 26 Jan 2012 15.3 +1.7 7.6 17 Jan 2012 24.0 25.5 average 94%
Cape Leeuwin 24.4 +1.7 33.9 4 Dec 2011 18.5 +1.9 14.6 20 Dec 2011 25.0 53.5 low 47%
Cape Naturaliste 28.1 +3.2 37.5 26 Jan 2012 16.9 +2.0 10.8 5 Feb 2012 52.6 35.5 high 148%
Collie East 29.7   39.4 28 Jan 2012 14.2   5.5 5 Feb 2012 74.4 38.1 high 195%
Donnybrook 30.6 +0.9 40.5 27 Jan 2012 16.4 +2.9 8.3 5 Feb 2012 53.9 43.4 high 124%
Dwellingup 30.0 +1.2 39.7 26 Jan 2012 15.7 +1.9 7.9 5 Feb 2012        
Esperance 25.6 0.0 42.4 23 Feb 2012 16.0 +0.7 9.2 1 Dec 2011 105.6 71.0 high 149%
Esperance Aero 26.6 -0.2 41.6 23 Feb 2012 15.0 +0.4 8.2 1 Dec 2011 130.0 72.9 v high 178%
Harvey 30.8 +0.8 40.0 26 Jan 2012         69.6 39.3 high 177%
Hopetoun North 25.2 +0.1 43.5 23 Feb 2012 15.7 +0.7 9.5 1 Dec 2011 134.2 95.7 high 140%
Jarrahwood 30.1 +1.5 40.7 26 Jan 2012 14.4 +2.1 5.2 5 Feb 2012 38.8 44.2 average 88%
Mandurah 30.0 +1.6 41.1 25 Jan 2012 19.8 +1.6 13.4 5 Feb 2012 180.4 44.0 v high 410%
Manjimup 27.8 +1.5 39.6 27 Jan 2012 14.1 +1.4 9.2 17 Jan 2012 44.0 63.7 average 69%
North Walpole 25.0   36.1 1 Feb 2012 15.0   9.5 17 Jan 2012 86.6
Pemberton 27.2 +1.8 39.3 26 Jan 2012 14.6 +1.7 9.2 20 Dec 2011 53.3 75.8 average 70%
Rocky Gully 26.9 +0.3 40.5 27 Jan 2012 13.3 +1.1 5.8 17 Jan 2012 65.2 67.9 average 96%
Windy Harbour 24.1 +1.3 34.4 25 Jan 2012 15.1 +1.2 8.5 11 Dec 2011 52.5 59.5 average 88%
Witchcliffe 28.0 +2.2 40.6 26 Jan 2012 14.8 +1.3 7.9 20 Dec 2011 28.8 34.6 average 83%
North Central (district 10)
Bencubbin 32.9 -0.6 40.2 29 Jan 2012 18.3 +1.0 10.0 5 Feb 2012        
Cunderdin Airfield 33.7 -0.1 43.1 28 Jan 2012 17.6 +1.2 10.3 5 Feb 2012 45.2 43.7 high 103%
Merredin 33.1 +0.1 42.1 28 Jan 2012 18.1 +1.0 9.7 5 Feb 2012 83.8 44.1 high 190%
Northam 33.4 +0.1 41.9 22 Feb 2012 17.6 +1.1 10.3 8 Jan 2012 55.1 33.3 high 165%
York 33.0 -0.2 42.3 28 Jan 2012 16.7 +1.2 8.1 5 Feb 2012 74.2 55.6 high 133%
South Central (district 10A)
Beverley 33.0 -0.3 41.2 26 Jan 2012 17.2 +1.5 8.8 5 Feb 2012 84.0 35.7 high 235%
Brookton 31.6 -0.4 40.8 23 Feb 2012 16.7 +1.8 8.2 8 Jan 2012 62.8 37.6 high 167%
Corrigin 31.2 -0.3 40.3 28 Jan 2012 16.6 +1.4 8.8 8 Jan 2012 73.0 46.1 high 158%
Hyden 32.1 -0.7 42.0 28 Jan 2012 16.3 +1.3 9.5 8 Jan 2012 155.7 54.2 v high 287%
Jacup 27.0 +0.2 42.4 28 Jan 2012 13.5 +0.8 7.3 17 Jan 2012 78.0 83.6 average 93%
Katanning 29.0 -0.2 40.1 27 Jan 2012 14.3 +1.3 9.0 17 Jan 2012 164.2 60.7 v high 271%
Katanning Comparison 29.0 -0.4 39.5 28 Jan 2012 14.6 +1.4 9.0 27 Feb 2012 174.0 47.5 v high 366%
Lake Grace 29.5 -0.7 40.4 28 Jan 2012 15.8 +1.2 10.6 1 Dec 2011 140.4 75.7 high 185%
Lake Grace Comparison 29.5 -1.1 41.0 28 Jan 2012 15.8 +1.3 10.5 1 Dec 2011 144.2 51.8 v high 278%
Narembeen 33.0 0.0 42.0 28 Jan 2012 17.3 +1.4 8.9 5 Feb 2012 165.9 47.1 v high 352%
Narrogin 29.8 -0.2 40.0 22 Feb 2012 15.6 +2.1 7.7 5 Feb 2012 172.3 43.1 v high 400%
Newdegate Research Station 29.7 -0.4 41.3 28 Jan 2012 13.9 +0.7 6.2 27 Feb 2012 173.2 56.0 v high 309%
Ongerup 27.6 -0.3 40.7 28 Jan 2012 14.6 +1.1 8.7 17 Jan 2012 107.8 54.5 high 198%
Pingelly 30.6 -0.4 40.3 22 Feb 2012 16.4 +1.3 8.8 5 Feb 2012 156.8 37.4 v high 419%
Ravensthorpe 27.7 -0.5 41.2 23 Feb 2012 14.7 +1.0 8.4 1 Dec 2011 162.6 73.6 v high 221%
Wagin 30.0 -0.2 39.7 27 Jan 2012 15.1 +1.0 8.5 5 Feb 2012 114.6 41.1 v high 279%
Wandering 30.7 -0.6 40.0 22 Feb 2012 15.3 +1.9 6.5 5 Feb 2012 166.8 46.9 v high 356%
Eucla (district 11)
Balladonia 30.3 -0.4 41.7 31 Dec 2011 15.1 +0.9 7.0 6 Feb 2012 93.9 57.5 high 163%
Eucla 26.3 +0.8 44.5 31 Dec 2011 17.0 +0.8 10.5 12 Dec 2011 49.0 52.1 average 94%
Eyre 26.4 +0.3 43.1 24 Feb 2012 14.4 -0.7 3.1 11 Feb 2012 97.0 52.8 high 184%
Forrest 32.0 -0.1 43.5 31 Dec 2011 15.5 -0.4 8.8 1 Dec 2011
Red Rocks Point 24.4   43.9 24 Feb 2012 17.9   11.1 7 Feb 2012 78.4
South East (district 12)
Bulga Downs 35.0   43.0 17 Feb 2012 20.1   13.4 5 Feb 2012 131.4 72.0 high 183%
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport 31.7 -0.9 42.6 17 Feb 2012 18.1 +0.5 9.5 5 Feb 2012 62.3 71.7 average 87%
Laverton Aero 32.9 -1.2 42.3 17 Feb 2012 19.8 -0.7 13.0 5 Feb 2012 139.6 137.1 average 102%
Leinster Aero 34.2 -1.7 43.1 23 Dec 2011 21.3 -0.9 14.0 6 Feb 2012 133.2 107.6 average 124%
Leonora 33.6 -2.3 43.9 16 Feb 2012 20.1 -0.8 12.0 5 Feb 2012 132.5 72.7 high 182%
Munglinup West 28.0   42.6 23 Feb 2012 14.5   8.4 1 Dec 2011 120.2
Norseman Aero 30.7 -0.9 40.8 17 Feb 2012 15.7 +0.5 6.3 6 Feb 2012 76.8 94.8 average 81%
Salmon Gums Res.Stn. 29.6 -0.1 41.3 23 Feb 2012 14.1 +0.8 4.1 26 Dec 2011 92.4 70.7 high 131%
Southern Cross Airfield 32.5 -1.2 41.1 16 Feb 2012 17.7 +1.0 9.4 5 Feb 2012 110.6 72.3 average 153%
Yeelirrie 35.1 -1.6 43.5 23 Dec 2011 20.4 -0.7 10.9 6 Feb 2012 127.5 81.0 high 157%
North East (district 13)
Carnegie 35.8 -1.8 44.1 24 Dec 2011 21.3 -1.5 15.0 6 Feb 2012 170.6 110.7 high 154%
Giles Meteorological Office 34.8 -1.5 42.7 17 Feb 2012 20.7 -2.0 13.1 2 Feb 2012 291.4 121.8 v high 239%
Telfer Aero 38.9 -0.9 46.4 21 Dec 2011 24.8 -0.8 19.6 3 Dec 2011 160.0 197.0 average 81%
Warburton Airfield 34.7 -2.3 43.3 18 Feb 2012 20.8 -1.2 14.2 4 Dec 2011 233.6 99.3 v high 235%
Offshore Islands (district 200)
Christmas Island Aero 27.8 0.0 29.9 27 Dec 2011 22.9 +0.3 21.6 3 Dec 2011        
Cocos Island Airport 30.1 +0.4 31.1 3 Feb 2012 25.2 +0.4 23.1 7 Dec 2011 495.2 463.8 average 107%
Varanus Island 32.4 +0.6 37.7 13 Feb 2012 26.1 +0.4 23.1 7 Dec 2011        

Extremes Maps Records Summaries Important notes the top

Notes

A Seasonal Climate Summary is prepared to list the main features of the weather in Western Australia using the most timely and accurate information available on the date of publication; it will generally not be updated. Later information, including data that has had greater opportunity for quality control, will be presented in the Monthly Weather Review, usually published in the fourth week of the month.

This statement has been prepared based on information available at 10 am on Thursday 1 March 2012. Some checks have been made on the data, but it is possible that results will change as new information becomes available.

Averages 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.
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.

Records in this summary are based on sites with at least 30 years of data.

For PDF files of Perth Metro climate statistics for other months, please click here for extremes and here for averages.

Further information

Western Australia Climate Services Centre
Bureau of Meteorology
Phone (08) 9263 2222
Email climate.wa@bom.gov.au