Climate map of Australia, based on Köppen classification.      Equatorial      Tropical      Subtropical      Desert      Grassland      Temperate

A billabong in Kakadu National Park. The monsoonal climate of northern Australia is hot, humid and wet in summer

The climate of Australia varies widely, but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid Р40% of the landmass is covered by sand dunes. Only the south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate: part is tropical rainforests, part grasslands, and part desert. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1000x905, 40 KB)A climate map of Australia drawn in Illustrator. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1000x905, 40 KB)A climate map of Australia drawn in Illustrator. ... K̦ppen climate map The K̦ppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. ... Image File history File links Kakadu_2534. ... Image File history File links Kakadu_2534. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Kakadu National Park is in the Northern Territory of Australia, 171 km east of Darwin. ... Monsoon in the Vindhya, a mountain chain in central India A monsoon is a (wind) pattern that reverses direction on a seasonal basis. ... This article is about arid terrain. ... Semi-arid generally describes regions that receive low annual rainfall (25 to 50 cm /10 to 20 in) and generally have scrub or grass vegetation. ... This article is about the sand formations, for other meanings see Dune (disambiguation) Mesquite Flat Dunes in Death Valley National Park In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by eolian (wind-related) processes. ... The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia. ...

Rainfall is highly variable, with frequent droughts lasting several seasons thought to be caused in part by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Occasionally a duststorm will blanket a region or even several states and there are reports of the occasional large tornado. Rising levels of salinity and desertification in some areas is ravaging the landscape. Drought in Australia is defined as rainfall over a three month period being in the lowest decile of what has been recorded for that region in the past. ... This article is about the global coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon. ... This article is about the weather phenomenon. ... Annual mean sea surface salinity for the World Ocean. ...

Australia's tropical/subtropical location and cold waters off the western coast make most of western Australia a hot desert with aridity, a marked feature of greater part of the continent. These cold waters produce precious little moisture needed on the mainland. A 2005 study by Australian and American researchers ^[1] investigated the desertification of the interior, and suggested that one explanation was related to human settlers who arrived about 50,000 years ago. Regular burning by these settlers could have prevented monsoons from reaching interior Australia. A family of Russian settlers in the Caucasus region, ca. ... For other uses, see Monsoon (disambiguation). ...

Elements of Australia's climate

Air temperature

Australia's hottest temperatures may reach 50°C, while minimums can reach sub-zero temperatures. The continent does not have very high mountain ranges and is surrounded by mostly warm oceans. The result is that extremely cold temperatures are uncommon. ^[2] For exotic financial options, see Mountain range (options). ...

The average surface air temperature of Australia has increased by 0.7 °C over the past century. ^[3]

Atmospheric pressure

In Australia, the unit for measuring atmospheric pressure is the hectopascal. Because of Australia's mid latitude position, its climate is generally dominated by high pressure systems. This correlates with increasingly often high levels recorded in the Southern Oscillation Index, and the increasing amounts of El Niño years in Australia. High pressure systems are generally associated with stable atmospheric conditions; clear skies, gentle winds and little rain. The pascal (symbol Pa) is the SI unit of pressure. ... Chart of ocean surface temperature anomaly [°C] during the last strong El Niño in December 1997 El Niño and La Niña are major temperature fluctuations in the tropical Pacific Ocean. ... Chart of ocean surface temperature anomaly [°C] during the last strong El Niño in December 1997 El Niño and La Niña (also written in English as El Nino and La Nina) are major temperature fluctuations in surface waters of the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. ...

Precipitation

see: Drought in Australia Drought in Australia is defined as rainfall over a three month period being in the lowest decile of what has been recorded for that region in the past. ...

The rainfall patterns across Australia are highly seasonal. Compared to the Earth's other continental landmasses Australia is very dry. More than 80 percent of the continent has an annual rainfall of less than 600 millimetres, only Antarctica receives less rainfall than Australia. There are four main factors that contribute to the dryness of the Australian landmass:

• Cold ocean currents off the west coast
• Low elevation of landforms
• Dominance of high-pressure systems
• Shape of the landmass

Low rate of evaporation from this very cool body of water result in little evaporation occurring. As a result, rain clouds are sparsely formed and very rarely do they form long enough for a continuous period of rain to be recorded. Australia's arid/semi-arid zone extends to this region. The absence of any significant mountain range or area of substantial height above sea level, results in very little rainfall caused by orographic uplift. This is when air rushes up the mountain side and follows it to its summit, where it cools, condenses and forms rain on the opposite side of the mountain. In the east the Great Dividing Range limits rain moving into inland Australia. Australia has a compact shape and no significant bodies of water penetrate very far inland. This is important because it means that moist winds are prevented from penetrating to inland Australia, keeping rainfall low. Elevation histogram of the surface of the Earth – approximately 71% of the Earths surface is covered with water. ... Vaporization redirects here. ... This wave cloud pattern formed off of the Île Amsterdam in the far southern Indian Ocean, due to orographic lift of an airmass by the island, producing alternating bands of condensed and invisible humidity downwind of the island as the moist air moves in vertical waves and the moisture successively... The Great Dividing Range, also known as the Eastern Highlands, is Australias most substantial mountain range. ... Lulworth Cove in Dorset, England (Great Britain) A fjord (Lysefjorden) in Norway River Gambia flowing through Niokolokoba National Park Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia A tide pool on Gabriola Island, British Columbia showing ochre sea stars A body of water is any significant accumulation of water such as an ocean, a... For other uses, see Wind (disambiguation). ...

Snow

Thredbo ski resort

In Australia snow can fall in the mountains of Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Tasmania. There is a regular snow season in several areas which have seasonal ski tourism industries. Sometimes snow has even been reported in the mountains of South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland though this is very rare. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1080x810, 130 KB) Summary Photo of ski slopes at Thredbo. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1080x810, 130 KB) Summary Photo of ski slopes at Thredbo. ... For other uses, see Snow (disambiguation). ... VIC redirects here. ... Capital Canberra Government Constitutional monarchy Administrator none Chief Minister Jon Stanhope (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 2  - Senate seats 2 Gross Territorial Product (2006)  - Product ($m)  $19,167 (6th)  - Product per capita  $57,303/person (1st) Population (End of November 2006)  - Population  333,667 (7th)  - Density  137. ... NSW redirects here. ... Slogan or Nickname: Island of Inspiration; The Apple Isle; Holiday Isle Motto(s): Ubertas et Fidelitas (Fertility and Faithfulness) Other Australian states and territories Capital Hobart Government Constitutional monarchy Governor William Cox Premier Paul Lennon (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 5  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product... For the song, see South Australia (song). ... Slogan or Nickname: Wildflower State or the Golden State Other Australian states and territories Capital Perth Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Ken Michael Premier Alan Carpenter (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 15  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2005-06)  - Product ($m)  $107,910 (4th)  - Product per capita  $53,134/person... Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Motto(s): Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Quentin Bryce Premier Anna Bligh (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 28  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $158,506 (3rd...

The occasional cold snap, caused by cold air drifting north from Antarctica, can cause significant snowfall in rural areas, as well as major cities such as Hobart, Melbourne and Canberra. Such occasions are rare, but have occurred in 1951, 1986 and 2005.^[4]

Regions

South-eastern temperate region

The south-eastern temperate zone spans from Ceduna in South Australia along the coast to the town of Forster in New South Wales, the climate in this region is also referred to as an oceanic climate. The region's climate is typified by warm summers and mild winters, with temperatures averaging close to 20°C. Statistically the warmest month is January and the coldest month is July, though it is rare that either will provide extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum, however this is not the case further inland. Rainfall is evenly spread between summer and winter though is generally heavier in the first half of the year. Although the region does not suffer from natural phenomena such as cyclones, it is affected by the El Niño Southern Oscillation with drought and bushfires during El Niño^[5] and storms and flooding in periods of La Niña.^[6] The region’s climate has also been affected by global warming in recent times, with January of 2006 becoming the hottest month on record and the tenth consecutive month above median temperature.^[7] Below is a climate table for Sydney, typical of the New South Wales coastal region. Ceduna ( ) is a small town in the West Coast region of South Australia. ... Forster may refer to: Forster, New South Wales, town in Australia People: Robert Forster (b. ... World map showing the oceanic climate zones. ... Chart of ocean surface temperature anomaly [°C] during the last strong El Niño in December 1997 El Niño and La Niña (also written in English as El Nino and La Nina) are major temperature fluctuations in surface waters of the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. ...

Little Sandy Desert near Durba Spring

For other uses, see Celsius (disambiguation). ... A millimetre (American spelling: millimeter, symbol mm) is an SI unit of length that is equal to one thousandth of a metre. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ...

Central arid region

Main article: Deserts of Australia

Deserts of Australia cover a large portion of the land in Australia. Most of the deserts lie in the central and north-western part of the country. The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid. The size of the deserts in Australia combined is 2.3 million square km^{[citation needed]} (1.3 million square miles), and occupies 44% of the continent. The average annual rainfall is low, ranging from 200 to 250 mm (8 to 10 in) per year. Thunderstorms are relatively common in the region, with an average of 15 - 20 thunderstorms per annum. Summer daytime temperatures range from 32 to 40 °C (90 to 104 °F). In winter, this falls to 18 to 23 °C (64 to 75 °F). Snow never falls in any Australian desert. Location of deserts in Australia Deserts of Australia cover a large portion of the land in Australia. ... This article is about precipitation. ... A millimetre (American spelling: millimeter, symbol mm) is an SI unit of length that is equal to one thousandth of a metre. ... An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The degree Celsius (symbol: °C) is an SI derived unit of temperature. ... For other uses, see Fahrenheit (disambiguation). ...

Natural hazards and disasters

Bushfires

Main article: Bushfire

Climatic factors contribute to Australia's high incidence of bushfires, particularly during the summer months. Low relative humidity, wind and lack of rain can cause a small fire, either man-made or caused naturally by lightning strikes, to spread rapidly over large distances. Low humidity, the heat of the sun and lack of water cause vegetation to dry out becoming a perfect fuel for the fire. High winds fan the flames, increasing their intensity and the speed and distance at which they can travel.^[8] Backburning in Townsville, Australia. ... Backburning in Townsville, Australia. ...

Many of the worst bushfires in eastern Australia, such as the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, accompany El Niño-Southern Oscillation events which tend to cause a warm, dry and windy climate.^[9] The ASH WEDNESDAY FIRES were a series of bush fires which occurred on February 16, 1983 in south-east Australia, resulting in a natural disaster. ... This article is about the global coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon. ...

Global warming

Main articles: Effects of global warming on Australia and Climate change in Australia

Global warming is causing climate change which is predicted by the CSIRO^[10] to have significant effects on the climate of and extreme weather events in Australia. It is predicted that the Great Barrier Reef and reefs surrounding Lord Howe Island could be killed as a result of the rise in water temperature forecast by the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. The Murray River, Darling River Coorong and Macquarie Marshes are all at risk from decreased rainfall from climate change.^{[citation needed]} Main article: Effects of global warming This article is about predicted impacts of Climate change and Global warming on Australia and its climate. ... Global warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the Earths near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. ... Variations in CO2, temperature and dust from the Vostok ice core over the last 450,000 years For current global climate change, see Global warming. ... The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is the national government body for scientific research in Australia. ... Main article: Effects of global warming This article is about predicted impacts of Climate change and Global warming on Australia and its climate. ... The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest coral reef system,[1][2] composed of over 2,900 individual reefs[3] and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,616 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (132,974 sq mi). ... For the island off Solomon Islands, see Ontong Java Atoll Lord Howe Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean 600 km (373 mi) east of the Australian mainland. ... Climate Change 2007, the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is the fourth in a series of such reports. ... For other uses, see Murray River (disambiguation). ... The Darling River is the longest river in Australia, flowing 2,739km from northern New South Wales to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth, New South Wales. ... Coorong is a national park in South Australia (Australia), 156 km southeast of Adelaide. ... The Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve is located in the Macquarie Marshes. ...

Coastal communities face risks from sea level rise, albeit over a long period of time based on current estimates of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. The Gold Coast, being built on sand and with many canal developments, could be considered particularly at risk. Suburbs of Sydney like Drummoyne and Concord on rivers like the Parramatta River face risks of inundation of low lying areas such as parks (such as Timbrell Park and Majors Bay Reserve) reclaimed from mudflats at the heads of bays, or massive expenses in rebuilding seawalls to higher levels. Sea level measurements from 23 long tide gauge records in geologically stable environments show a rise of around 20 centimeters per century (2 mm/year). ... Climate Change 2007, the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is the fourth in a series of such reports. ... Gold Coast redirects here. ... This article is about the metropolitan area in Australia. ... Drummoyne is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. ... Concord is a suburb in the inner-west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. ... The Parramatta River, New South Wales, Australia, is the main tributary of Sydney Harbour, along with the smaller Lane Cove and Duck Rivers. ...

Currently, there are several environmental movements and campaigners advocating for action on climate change. One such campaign is "The Big Switch", Australia's largest community climate change campaign.^[11]

New projections for Australia's changing climate includes: ^[12]

• droughts are likely to become more frequent, particularly in the south-west
• evaporation rates are likely to increase, particularly in the north and east
• high-fire-danger weather is likely to increase in the south-east
• sea levels will continue to rise

Drought

Drought-affected fields in the Victorian countryside

Main article: Drought in Australia

Drought in Australia is defined by rainfall over a three month period being in the lowest ten percent of amounts having been recorded for that region in the past.^[13] This definition takes into account that low rainfall is a relative term and rainfall deficiencies need to be compared to typical rainfall patterns including seasonal variations. Specifically drought in Australia is defined in relation to a rainfall deficiency of pastoral leases and is determined by decile analysis applied to a certain area.^[14] Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2250x924, 586 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Drought ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2250x924, 586 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Drought ... Motto: Peace and Prosperity Other Australian states and territories Capital Melbourne Governor HE Mr John Landy Premier Steve Bracks (ALP) Area 237,629 km² (6th)  - Land 227,416 km²  - Water 10,213 km² (4. ... Drought in Australia is defined as rainfall over a three month period being in the lowest decile of what has been recorded for that region in the past. ... Fields outside Benambra, Victoria, Australia suffering from drought conditions A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply. ... In meteorology, precipitation is any kind of water that falls from the sky as part of the weather. ... Pastoral Leases are agreements under the Commonwealth of Australia that allow for the use of Crown land by farmers, etc. ...

Historical climatic records are now sufficiently reliable to profile climate variability taking into account expectations for regions.^[15] State Governments are responsible for declaring a region drought affected and the declaration will take into account factors other than rainfall.^[13] The Parliaments of the Australian states and territories are legislative bodies within the federal framework of the Commonwealth of Australia. ... Fields outside Benambra, Victoria, Australia suffering from drought conditions A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply. ...

Cyclones

Australia is affected by tropical cyclones which primarily occur between December and April. A few cyclones are known to impact the coast in November and May as well.^[16] The region between Broome and Exmouth are most prone to cyclones.^[17] Tropical cyclones are known to bring destructive winds, heavy rain with flooding creating storm surges along the coast, causing inundation in low, lying areas. The strongest cyclones can have wind gusts reaching 280 km/h. Cyclones can also move inland, decaying to a rain depression, dumping heavy rain in these areas and causing flooding.^[18] Cyclone Catarina, a rare South Atlantic tropical cyclone viewed from the International Space Station on March 26, 2004 Hurricane and Typhoon redirect here. ... Broome is a pearling and tourist town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 2200 km north of Perth. ... Exmouth is a town on the tip of the North West Cape in Western Australia. ...

The worst cyclones of Australia have caused billions of dollars of damage and many deaths. Cyclone Tracy crossed directly over Darwin in 1974 which killed 71 people and caused nearly $5 billion (2005 AUD) in damage. Cyclone Mahina in 1899 brought a storm surge to Far North Queensland reaching 13 metres high, and causing 400 deaths. Lowest pressure 950 hPa (mbar)[1] Damage $4 billion (1998 AUD)[2] $2. ... Port Darwin redirects here. ... ISO 4217 Code AUD User(s) Australia, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island Inflation 1. ... Cyclone Mahina struck Australia in March of 1899, killing over 400 people. ... Impact of a storm surge A storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically a tropical cyclone. ... Map of Far North Queensland Far North Queensland (abreviated to FNQ) is a region of Queensland covering the northern part of the state. ...

See also

• Indigenous Australian seasons
• List of wettest known tropical cyclones in Australia

Indigenous Australians had distinct ways of dividing the year up. ...

References

BBC News is the department within the BBC responsible for the corporations news-gathering and production of news programmes on BBC television, radio and online. ... is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Guardian. ... is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 72nd day of the year (73rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 122nd day of the year (123rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 122nd day of the year (123rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is the national government body for scientific research in Australia. ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is an branch of the Australian Federal government. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Australian Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Australian Bureau of Meteorology - Climate Information
• The Big Switch, Australia's largest community climate change campaign