MEDIA RELEASE - ISSUED 15th AUGUST 2000
Three-month Seasonal Climate Outlook Summary: Temperature probabilities for Spring (Sep - Nov) 2000
Odds favour warm spring in the tropics
The National Climate Centre's seasonal temperature outlook for spring shows increased chances for above average seasonal maximum temperatures across much of the country, but particularly in the tropical north. The probabilities reach 60 to 70% there (see first map below), but chances are also above 55% in western W.A. and parts of southeast Australia. The chances are close to 50% elsewhere.
At this time of year, the maximum temperature outlooks have moderate skill or reliability over Queensland, northern NSW and eastern N.T., but lower skill in the west and southeast.
The outlook for seasonal minimum temperatures is shown in the second map. As with maximum temperatures, the odds favour warmer than average conditions over much of the nation. The exception is in southern Queensland and northern NSW where a cooler than average season is marginally more likely.
For spring, seasonal minimum temperature forecasts show moderate skill in most areas apart from Tasmania, southeast Queensland, and the east of both NSW and Victoria.
The Bureau of Meteorology is hosting a workshop, CLI-MANAGE, in Albury from 23-25 October, and places are still open for anyone wishing to attend. Participants will learn, and discuss, how climate information can assist their decision-making in climate-sensitive industries, such as agriculture. For more information please contact Linda Sampson on (03) 9669 4072.
For more information regarding this outlook please contact the following climate meteorologists in the National Climate Centre during normal office hours from 8:45am to 5:30pm (EST) Monday to Friday:
Grant Beard on (03) 9669 4527