20°S 145°E Great Basalt Wall – Queensland by Degrees

IN THE DEGREE SQUARE Climate: The closest representative weather station to the confluence is at the Hughenden Post Office, which is approximately 125 km to the south-west of the degree confluence, and has an elevation of 324 m. The station has been recording data since 1884. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean max (ºC) 35.8 34.7 33.7 31.4 27.9 25.0 25.0 27.5 31.1 34.5 36.1 36.9 31.6 Mean min (ºC) 22.5 22.1 20.5 17.0 13.2 9.8 8.8 10.4 14.0 18.0 20.5 22.0 16.6 Mean rain (mm) 114.5 98.0 58.2 26.0 17.8 18.6 11.6 7.9 9.0 22.3 36.0 71.1 492.4 The highest temperature to be recorded was 44.0°C in December 1996, and the lowest was -2.0°C in July 1984. The greatest rainfall recorded in any year was 1 085.1 mm in 1891, and the least was 150 mm in 1926. These and other climate statistics for Hughenden can be found at: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_030024_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 27 cyclones have passed within 200 km of the confluence, although only two have passed within 50 km (TC Althea in 1971, and TC Aivu in 1989). 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 in many places in Australian tropics, extreme heat is also a danger. Records show that the Hughenden Station experiences 101 days annually that are 35°C or warmer, although temperatures do not often reach 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