19°S 144°E Kidston – Queensland by Degrees

IN THE DEGREE SQUARE Climate: The closest representative weather station is at the Georgetown Post Office, which is approximately 92 km to the north-west of the degree confluence, and has an elevation of 292 m. The station has been recording data since 1872. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean max (ºC) 34.4 33.5 33.4 32.5 30.4 28.2 28.2 30.0 33.0 35.8 36.6 36.1 32.7 Mean min (ºC) 22.9 22.7 21.5 19.4 16.1 13.1 12.0 13.1 16.2 19.7 21.7 22.8 18.4 Mean rain (mm) 226.3 212.9 123.1 28.9 9.3 10.5 6.8 4.3 6.4 16.7 50.7 128.4 824.7 The highest temperature recorded was 43.5°C in January 1994, and the lowest was -3.0°C in July 1974. The greatest rainfall recorded in a year was 2 045.7 mm in 1974, and the least was 308.4 mm in 1926. These and other climate statistics for Georgetown can be found at: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_030018_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 35 cyclones have passed within 200 km of the confluence since 1906, four of which passed within 50 km (two unnamed TCs in 1911, and 1942; TC Paul in 1980, and TC Winifred in 1986). These and distant 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) Like most places in the Australian tropics, extreme heat is also a danger. Records show that the Georgetown Station experiences 110 days annually with temperatures 35°C or warmer, although very few of these reach over 40°C. 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 29 September 2009. For more information email admin@rgsq.org.au Return to home