20°S 141°E Sedan Dip– Queensland by Degrees

IN THE DEGREE SQUARE Climate: The closest representative weather station to the confluence is at the Cloncurry Airport, which is 94 km to the south-west of the degree confluence, and has an elevation of 186 m. The station has been recording data since 1978. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean max (ºC) 36.1 36.0 36.0 33.7 29.4 26.4 26.2 28.6 33.1 26.5 37.9 38.8 33.2 Mean min (ºC) 24.5 24.3 22.4 20.0 15.4 11.6 10.3 12.3 16.5 20.5 23.1 24.9 18.8 Mean rain (mm) 193.0 112.6 75.2 20.9 5.4 6.3 1.0 2.3 5.7 24.4 28.6 81.4 534.9 The highest temperature to be recorded was 46.9°C in December 2006, and the lowest was 1.8°C in July 1979. The greatest rainfall recorded in any year was 996.8 mm in 1999, and the least was 117.4 mm in 2008. These and other climate statistics for Cloncurry can be found at: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_029141_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 18 cyclones have passed within 200 km of the confluence, two of which have passed within 50 km (TC Brownyn in 1972, and TC Ted in 1976). 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) Extreme heat is also a danger. Records show that the Cloncurry Station experiences 153 days annually with temperatures 35°C or warmer, 36 days of which can 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