Australia - Climate of the Continent
Australia's major climate zones - and an annual rainfall variability greater than any other continent - combine to create a diverse range of environments.
When the high pressure systems move north during winter, southern Australia comes under the influence of westerly winds and rain-bearing cold fronts. Most of Australia's primary production occurs in the temperate regions of the south and east, and relies on this winter rainfall. Cold snaps may lead to frosts inland, though temperatures about the coast are generally mild all year round. Summers over southern Australia are mostly dry and hot with coastal sea-breezes. Following a long dry spell, hot, dry winds from the interior can cause bushfires in southern and eastern Australia. The flammability of the Australian bush (which has adapted to the climate) adds to the risk.
In comparison, tropical regions of northern Australia experience a wet summer as the monsoon moves in. During the wet season, typically October to April, moist north westerly winds bring humid conditions with showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may vary markedly from year-to-year, and occasional tropical cyclones can bring abundant rainfall to tropical coastal regions and possibly further inland. Once the monsoon has retreated, winter brings blue skies and mild, dry conditions. Dry land agriculture and pastoralism have adapted to the harsh climate of the vast inland tropical area.
As a result of the influence of the high pressure belt, much of Australian rainfall is low and variable. Eighty per cent of the continent has an average annual rainfall less than 600 mm. The vegetation of the arid interior adapts to dry conditions and responds quickly when rainfall is received.
Major cities Temperatures and rainfall
|
|
Mean Temperatures (C) |
Rain |
|||
|
|
January |
July |
(mm) |
||
|
Location |
Max |
Min |
Max |
Min |
Annual |
|
Adelaide |
28.5 |
16.6 |
14.9 |
7.5 |
553 |
|
AliceSprings |
36.1 |
21.2 |
19.5 |
4.0 |
274 |
|
Brisbane |
29.2 |
21.0 |
20.6 |
9.5 |
1189 |
|
Canberra |
27.8 |
12.9 |
11.1 |
-0.2 |
631 |
|
Darwin |
31.8 |
24.8 |
30.4 |
19.3 |
1666 |
|
Hobart |
21.5 |
11.7 |
11.5 |
4.5 |
624 |
|
Melbourne |
25.7 |
14.0 |
13.3 |
5.8 |
661 |
|
Perth |
31.5 |
16.8 |
17.7 |
8.1 |
869 |
|
Sydney |
26.3 |
18.5 |
16.9 |
6.7 |
1220 |
The table above outlines key climate elements at capital city (or central) locations