History of Tennant Creek Meteorological Office

Rainfall figures were first collected at the old telegraph station approximately 11 kilometres north of Tennant Creek. They began in 1874 and continued unbroken until they became contiguous with those gathered by the Tennant Creek Post Office, when their officers began data collection in 1926. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures, together with the 9am and 3pm temperature and humidity also date from this time. Barometric pressure readings began in 1935, and together with all other climatological data, continued through until 1970. In 1969 an official Bureau office was established at the airport, this became the official Meteorological Station. Wind data was made available by Flight Service Officers on duty at the Airport from 1943, but this responsibility was also taken over by the new office in 1969. The original Meteorological Office was located in premises next to the Flight Service Unit overlooking the Airport apron.

TODAY, the modern, purpose-built office is located at latitude 19°38'37"S, longitude 134°10'55"E. It sits at altitude of 376 metres above mean sea level. This office was opened in 1990 and is located just inside the Tennant Creek Airport boundary, to the left of the airport access road.

Tennant Creek Meteorological Office is staffed by 3 Technical Officers (Observers), providing coverage of weather phenomena 7 days per week. While the station is unstaffed data is automatically transmitted minus the visual elements of the observation i.e. visibility/cloud/weather conditions. It was designated a Meteorological Information Office in 1993, which formalised the liaison role of the office with the general public. Visits by the public, schools or other interested groups are encouraged. Staff will be pleased to show the office/equipment and explain our role/routine. Some consideration may need to be given to the timing of large groups.

Detailed records for Tennant Creek (original daily weather details) dating back to August 1969 are kept on station. Climatic details for other major synoptic stations in the area/region are also held on station. Any extensive climatological information about Tennant Creek, or other more distant areas, not immediately available from this office, can usually be obtained from the Regional Forecasting Centre in Darwin or the National Climate Centre in Melbourne, on a cost recovery basis.