19°S 141°E Lorraine – Queensland by Degrees

IN THE DEGREE SQUARE Climate: The closest representative weather station is at Donors Hill, which is 60 km to the north-west of the degree confluence, and has an elevation of 50 m. The station has been recording data since 1889. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean max (ºC) 36.0 34.8 34.5 33.6 30.4 27.7 27.7 29.9 33.3 36.1 37.7 37.4 33.3 Mean min (ºC) 24.3 23.9 22.3 19.5 15.7 12.9 11.9 13.2 16.9 20.7 23.2 24.2 19.1 Mean rain (mm) 187.8 150.2 89.4 20.5 10.0 9.2 4.4 2.6 3.7 17.3 44.5 112.8 649.7 No data is available for the highest and lowest temperatures at Donors Hill Station. Rainfall is variable, with a highest recorded total of 1494.1 mm in 1974 and a lowest total of 238.5 mm in 1986. These and other climate statistics for Donors Hill can be found at: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_029013_All.shtml. Extremes of Nature: The area is subject to the impact of tropical cyclones. The database maintained by the Bureau of Meteorology shows that 34 cyclones have passed within 200 km of the confluence, five of which passed within 50 km (two unnamed TCs in 1911, and 1950; TC Ted in 1976, TC Paul in 1980, and TC Larry in 2006). These cyclones bring with them potentially destructive winds and intense rainfall. Cyclone information for this area and all of Australia can be found at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website, http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/silo/cyclones.cgi. Cyclone tracks within 200 km of point 1906 to 2006 (Bureau of Meteorology web site) Because of the point's tropical location, Donors Hill receives a substantial annual average rainfall. However, most of this falls within the summer months, and July to September usually have less than 5 days each with any rain. The area experiences on average between 40 and 50 thunder days a year. The more severe thunderstorms can produce intense rainfall and localised flash flooding, destructive winds (including tornadoes) and lightning strikes that can spark bushfires if there is sufficient fuel to sustain spread. Extreme heat is also likely to be danger. Such extreme temperatures can cause heat stroke and death if appropriate measures are not taken such as avoiding strenuous physical effort, keeping as cool as possible and drinking lots of water. Heat waves kill more people in Australia than all other natural hazards combined.

Last updated 9 October 2009. For more information email admin@rgsq.org.au Return to home