Climate & Weather
Australia is a large landmass in the southern hemisphere with a diverse variety of climate zones. These vary from tropical regions in the north through to the dry landscapes of the interior to temperature regions in the south. Australia’s climate is frequently dry with 80% of the land having a yearly rainfall less than 600 millimeters and 50% having less than 300 millimeters. Australia has a day to day distinctive weather pattern, influenced by seasonal changes, latitude, altitude, ocean influences and the different climatic zones.
Climate Zones: States
VictoriaThe climate of Victoria is determined by the range of different climate zones, from hot, dry Mallee region of the north-west to the alpine snowfields in the north- east. The west and north of the Great Dividing Range the land flattens out to the dry inland plains, where temperatures increase and rainfall decreases. The climate of the alpine region in north-east Victoria has much cooler temperatures and increased rainfall.
South AustraliaSouthern Australia generally has cooler temperatures, especially in the Snowy Mountains. During summer South Australia is generally dry with mild warm temperatures and in winter southern Australia experiences cool, wet winters with light misty rain.
New South Wales |
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The climate in NSW depends on the location. The Great Dividing Range, running approximately north to south in the east of NSW, has a large impact on the climate, therefore creating four distinguishing climatic zones
- The coastal strip, influenced by the warm waters of the Tasman Sea, free from extreme temperatures and provides moisture to increase rainfall
- The highlands, were winter snowfalls are experienced
- The Western Slopes, where rainfall gradually decreases, together with the frequency of winter snowfall
- Flatter country to the west sees an increase in temperature and a decrease in rainfall
Western Australia
The size of the land mass is a major influence on the State's climate, so consequently the State is divided into climatic zones, ranging from heavy rains in the summer ‘wet’ season in the north, to the dry interior, through to the southeast, where Mediterranean climates are experienced
Tasmania
The climate in Tasmania receives warm summers; cool winters and is wet all year. In the winter and early springs, westerly winds reach their greatest strength causing a distinct maximum in the rainfall distribution in the west and northwest, however in the east and southeast, rainfall is evenly spread out throughout the year.
Queensland
The distinction in climate across the area of Queensland varies from, low rainfall and hot summers in the inland west, hot and wet in the north, and warm temperate conditions along the coastal strip.
Northern Territory
Northern Australia lies in the tropics and has a warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. In the winter the North experiences fine, sunny and warm conditions and in summer unlike the south, northern Australia experiences heavy rainfall, mainly in the form of thunderstorm activity from low pressure systems