Bureau of Meteorology - Services for Agriculture Brochure

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SERVICES FOR AGRICULTURE IN QUEENSLAND

Access weather and climate information by:

Internet -

http://www.bom.gov.au for the web home page
http://www.bom.gov.au/silo for meteorological information for rural industries
http://www.bom.gov.au/silo/products/Meteograms.shtml for computer weather guidance for a specific location (by subscription)

Weather by Fax -

Online Directory
National Quick Reference Directory 1800 630 100
National Detailed Directory 1800 061 440
QLD Quick Reference Directory 1800 061 434
QLD Detailed Directory 1902 935 844

Telephone Weather Services -

Online Directory
National Telephone Weather Services Directory 1900 926 113
QLD Full State Service 1900 955 360
SA Country Service 1900 926 189

Telephone Weather Services Call Charges:
1900 numbers: 77c per minute incl. GST; 1300 numbers: Low call cost - around 27.5c incl. GST.
(More from international, satellite, mobile or public phones)

Other telephone weather services are listed under "Bureau of Meteorology" in the telephone directory.

1. GENERAL FORECASTS AND WARNINGS

These are provided to radio, television and the newspapers and can be accessed electronically (see Section 5 for details).
Products include:

State forecasts - summary forecasts for Queensland for the next 36 to 48 hours, issued three to four times daily.

District forecasts and outlooks - more detailed forecasts for up to 36 hours ahead and outlooks for the following day for each forecast district, issued three to four times daily. District boundaries are shown on the map.

Provincial city forecasts - issued as either full-worded or precis only forecasts three to four times daily for selected towns and cities for about 24 hours, including maximum and minimum temperatures. Extra day outlooks are provided for the full-worded forecast locations. These towns and cities are shown on the map.

Warnings - forecasts of hazardous weather, usually for the next 12 to 24 hours, including:
*	tropical cyclones. Phone 1300 659 212
*	floods (warnings of minor, moderate or major flooding for most river basins)
*	severe thunderstorms (damaging wind gusts, large hail, very heavy rain or tornadoes) - limited coverage
*	fire weather (conditions favourable for the generation and rapid spread of bush fires)
*	other destructive weather (including destructive winds)

2. AGRICULTURAL FORECASTS, WARNINGS AND SERVICES

Direct radio broadcasts
*	most ABC regional radio stations do a cross to the Bureau on weekday early mornings, while a number of country commercial radio stations also carry direct broadcasts, either early morning or around the middle of the day
*	check your local airwaves


Rural and Regional weather service
*	A service on Weather by Fax containing latest weather forecasts, regularly updated PLUS
*	a page (updated daily by 6 pm) containing weather map, satellite picture, and forecast weather maps and rain areas four days ahead
*	poll the following numbers for the service:
		- Northern Districts	1902 935 712
		- Central Districts	1902 935 713
		- Western Districts	1902 935 714
		- South East Districts	1902 935 715
		- SE Coast District	1902 935 716

The Seasonal Climate Outlook.
*	provides monthly detailed updates on El Niño indicators (including a six month El Niño outlook)
*	gives an outlook on rainfall and temperatures for the next three months for all regions in Australia
*	can be obtained through subscription - Phone (03) 9669 4603 for details OR
*	through Weather by Fax on 1902 935 251 (rainfall) OR
*	through WeatherCall (Voice) Services on 1900 926 162 OR
*	on the Internet at http://www.bom.gov.au/silo/products/SClimate.shtml

Forecasts for cane firing
*	wind forecasts for cane-firing for the following areas: Babinda, Ayr, Cairns-Mossman, Mackay-Proserpine, Bundaberg-Childers, Moreton
*	issued June to December


Warnings for sheep farmers.
*	a warning of cold wet and windy conditions when newly born lambs or newly shorn sheep will be at risk
*	based on results from field experiments relating chill factor to wind speed, rainfall and temperature values
*	issued as necessary


New services.
*	the Bureau is happy to discuss enhancing its weather and climate services to meet the needs of agricultural industries
Contact: Supervising Meteorologist, Phone (07)3239 8744

3. GENERAL INFORMATION ON RECENT WEATHER

The following can be obtained through subscription:

Bulletins - Daily weather bulletin (observations from about 96 weather stations). Contents:
*	maximum and minimum temperatures
*	rainfall amount over the previous 24 hours
*	9 a.m. temperature, cloud amount, wind speed and direction
Daily, weekly, monthly and annual rainfall bulletins are also available

Monthly Weather Review, Queensland - published by about the end of the following month.
*	includes a summary of weather conditions affecting Queensland during the month, statistics on rainfall temperature, and other elements at selected stations, rainfall and temperature maps as well as a summary of normal conditions for the following two months

Daily Synoptic Weather Chart (Australia)

(For details of current subscription rates, Phone (07) 3239 8665 or Fax (07) 3239 8679)

4. OTHER PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION

Bureau Publications
*	a catalogue of ALL Bureau of Meteorology publications is available free of charge.
Contact: The Brisbane Office or The Publications Section of the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne on (03) 9669 4312

National Benchmark Network for Agrometeorology
*	a project of the National Committee for Agrometeorology
*	a network of about 190 observing stations, many of which are automatic weather stations, chosen to provide data in areas important to agriculture
*	a subset of the Bureau's observational network
*	instrumented with sensors specific to the requirements of agriculture
*	being progressively implemented
Contact: Services Policy Branch, Phone (03) 9669 4705

The following products and services may incur a charge:

*	FARMWEATHER
	- detailed forecasts directed specifically to the agricultural sector for four days and beyond for key locations - a fax service for more effective farm planning
		- Cattle And Cane	1902 935 384
		- Beef And Cotton	1902 935 385
		- Crops And Grain	1902 935 386
		- Tropical Canefields	1902 935 387
	- Freepoll 1800 061 404 for further details
Contact: Special Services Unit Manager, Phone (07) 3239 8610


*	RAINMAN
	- RAinfall INformation for better MANagement - a software package developed by the Queensland Department of Primary Industry (QDPI) using data supplied by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) - designed as a management tool where activities are significantly affected by rainfall - provides information about the probability of a certain amount of rain occurring at a particular time, thus making it easier to plan such operations as planting and harvesting - based upon the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), linked to the broadscale weather pattern over Australia - contains rainfall records for almost 4,000 locations Australia-wide from the beginning of recorded observations - has the facility for users to enter their own rainfall data to allow examination of the effects of the SOI on rainfall probabilities at their own location - accompanying booklet Will It Rain provides explanations of the El Niño phenomenon and other aspects of Australia's climate - regular updates available
Contact: Special Services Unit Phone (03) 9669 4994 Fax (03) 9669 4670

*	real-time Queensland rain and weather data and climatological data, including secondary data (means, medians etc) and tertiary data (deciles, cumulative frequencies, length of growing period, wind-frequency analyses etc); (various formats)
*	climate surveys and other consultative services including professional analysis of complex data for Queensland
Contact: The Information Officer, Queensland Climate and Consultative Services Section, Phone (07) 3239 8664 about any of the above products or services

*	special forecast services for Queensland
*	weather charts and the latest satellite data over fax, or website Registered-User Services
Contact: Public Weather Officer, Brisbane Regional Office, Phone (07) 3239 8751


*	Monthly Rainfall Review and Drought Review for the whole of Australia
	- focus on recent rainfall - annual subscription $41.35 inc GST (2000 price)
Contact: The Publications Section of the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne on (03) 9669 4312


*	Australian climate data (various formats)
*	consultative services
Contact: National Climate Centre, Phone (03) 9669 4082


*	Farming a Sunburnt Country
	- an award winning, 35 minute video and manual on El Niño and drought - 'Managing Australia's variable climate' is just one of the topics - compered by Neil Inall - contains interviews with farmers and scientists - $21.95 inc GST (2000 price)
Available from: Bureau of Meteorology, Climate Analysis, Phone (03) 9669 4072

5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ACCESS AND DELIVERY METHODS

Internet
*	the Bureau of Meteorology Internet home page is http://www.bom.gov.au - many different products available including forecasts, charts, satellite pictures, climatic information - included in this suite of products is:
*	SILO - a specialised Internet web site jointly administered by the Bureau of Meteorology and QDPI - accessible from BoM home page viz. http://www.bom.gov.au/silo - provides a large selection of meteorological and agricultural information (much of which is cost free) relevant to anyone in the agricultural arena

Weather by Fax

a polled facsimile information service providing access to more than 150 services
- includes forecasts, warnings, the Seasonal Climate Outlook, satellite pictures, charts, bulletins,information on Bureau products, pamphlets and other relevant information

main directory (Freepoll 1800 630 100) contains:
- general information relating to the Weather by Fax service, including advices of new services,details of other sub-directories and services, hints and guidance on using the Weather by Fax service, and a listing of contact telephone and fax numbers for gaining further information and assistance
- updated monthly

national services (Freepoll 1800 061 440) contains:
- pollfax numbers for satellite pictures, weather charts, marine forecasts and information, national services and advices

Queensland directory (Freepoll 1800 061 434) contains:
- pollfax numbers for upwards of 40 forecasts, warnings and products pertaining to the State

Telephone Weather Services

provides up-to-date recorded forecasts by telephone using Telstra's 1900 system. (1900 numbers are mainly collectives, that is, the state numbers allow access to the metropolitan, marine, country and capital city temperature services for that state through a single entry number

National Telephone Weather Services Directory (1900 926 113) gives 1900 services for all states through a single number OR

poll Weather by Fax on 1902 935 254 for a list of all Telephone Weather Services

key WeatherCall numbers:
- a three month rainfall outlook (a seasonal rainfall forecast comparing expected rainfall with average rainfall). Phone 1900 926 162
- forecasts for country Queensland which includes provincial city forecasts.
Phone 1900 955 360 (other services are also accessed via this number)

7. AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLIMATE OF QUEENSLAND

The difference that occurs in climate across an area the size of Queensland is considerable. Low rainfall and hot summers in the inland west, a monsoon season in the north, and warm temperate conditions along the coastal strip contrast with low minimum temperatures that can be experienced inland and about the southern ranges.

The annual median rainfall along the coastal strip is generally within the range of 1000 to 1600 millimetres, increasing to over 3200 millimetres along parts of the North Queensland coast near Innisfail. On the western side of the Great Divide, the rainfall drops quickly to an annual median of about 700 millimetres, whilst average maximum temperatures gradually increase with increasing distance from the coast. The dry inland plains of the far west are marked by cold winter nights, hot summer days and annual median rainfall below 200 millimetres. Tropical Cyclones occur sporadically from November through to May in coastal regions. Whilst tropical cyclones are a threat to coastal communities, they are a major source of rain for the dry inland regions.

Annual Average Rainfall Map for Queensland

8. HYDROLOGICAL SERVICES IN QUEENSLAND

River Height Bulletins
*	Bulletins (containing information for up to twelve geographical/drainage areas) are issued when critical levels are reached at river height stations (a metre or so below minor flood level)
*	issued up to eight times per day within an hour of reading time
*	distributed to radio stations, regional police stations, emergency management organisations, local authorities and other organisations involved in flood response
*	available via Weather by Fax and on the Internet

	River Basins	Weather by Fax Number
	Nerang, Logan-Albert	1902 935 051
	Brisbane, Bremer, Lockyer	1902 935 052
	Maroochy, Noosa, Mary	1902 935 053
	Burnett. Kolan, Cherwell-Burrum	1902 935 054
	Dawson, Mackenzie, Fitzroy	1902 935 055
	Pioneer, Proserpine, Don, Haughton, Burdekin	1902 935 056
	Herbert, Tully, Johnstone, Barron, Daintree	1902 935 057
	Macintyre, Dumaresq, Weir, Moonie	1902 935 058
	Condamine, Balonne, Maranoa, Wallam, Mungalaala	1902 935 059
	Warrego, Paroo, Bulloo	1902 935 060
	Thomson, Barcoo, Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina	1902 935 061
	Flinders, Norman, Gilbert, Leichardt, Nicholson, Gregory	1902 935 062


Flood Warning Service
*	warnings contain information about the likelihood of flooding and are aimed to protect life and reduce the damaging impacts of floods
*	service is provided by the Bureau working in close cooperation with the Queensland Department of Emergency Services, and other state and local authorities
*	warnings can assist those in the agricultural industry by providing time to allow stock to be moved to higher ground, for the removal of irrigation pumps from rivers or for temporary floodproofing measures
*	warnings are available through the media as well as the Weather by Fax service and the Bureau's Internet home page
Contact (for further details of services provided for your area): The Hydrology Section, Queensland, Phone (07) 3239 8768

For information about:
*	rainfall Intensity-Frequency-Duration (IFD) information for any Australian location. - useful in many applications including the design of drainage systems, small dams, etc.
Contact: Either the Hydrology Section, Queensland, Phone (07) 3239 8768 or the Head Office Hydrometeorological Advisory Service, Phone (03) 9669 4609 or Fax *(03) 9669 4725*

BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY OFFICES IN QUEENSLAND

For further information on the products and services outlined in this brochure write to:
	Regional Director, Bureau of Meteorology, GPO Box 413, Brisbane, QLD 4001.

Alternatively you may phone or fax the office
	Phone (07) 3239 8700 Fax (07)3221 4895

The following offices provide advice and services :
	Meteorological Office, Townsville Phone (07) 4779 5998 Fax (07) 4779 2772

	Meteorological Office, Cairns Phone (07) 4035 9777 Fax (07) 4035 9460

	Meteorological Office, Rockhampton Phone (07) 4922 3597 Fax (07) 4922 2156

Specific advice and services are offered by:
	Meteorological Office, Mt Isa Phone (07) 4743 3382 Fax (07) 4743 6725

	Meteorological Office, Charleville Phone (07) 4654 1033 Fax (07) 4654 2597

	Meteorological Office, Mackay Phone (07) 4955 1355 Fax (07) 4955 1193

	Meteorological Office, Longreach Phone (07) 4658 1783 Fax (07) 4658 1128

	Meteorological Office, Weipa Phone (07) 4069 7059 Fax (07) 4069 7087

HEAD OFFICE OF THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY

	The Director Bureau of Meteorology GPO Box 1289K Melbourne, VIC 3001

	Phone (03) 9669 4000

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