30/09/2010: Warmer days ahead will provide Adelaide residents with a good thawing out after enduring their coldest September in 18 years, according to weatherzone.com.au.

The city had an average maximum of just 17 degrees, two degrees colder than the long-term norm, making it the coldest September since 1992 in terms of daytime temperatures. In fact, there was only one day which warmed to 20 degrees, on Monday the 13th, the fewest 20-degree days in September in 18 years.

The nights were also cold, relative to recent years, averaging a minimum of 9.3 degrees, about a half a degree below the long-term norm of 9.7. This made it the coldest September in six years, in terms of overnight temperatures. On the morning of the 7th, the temperature dipped to 4.1 degrees, making it the coldest September night in eight years.

When both daytime and overnight temperatures were combined, Adelaide’s average temperature came in at about 13 degrees, below the long term norm of 14. This made it the coldest September since 1992.

"September was a very unusual month in terms of the lack of warm days across much of southeastern Australia. A high pressure system over the Great Australian Bight acted as a blocking mechanism, keeping noticeably cool southerly winds blowing over South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales," Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said.

The cold was a feature across much of South Australia with many centres having their coldest September in at least 15 years in terms of daytime temperatures. Some of these were Nuriootpa, Strathalbyn, Renmark, Clare, Kingscote, Edithburgh, Maitland, and Whyalla. The West Coast felt the brunt of the cold with maximums as much as five below average. Kyancutta, Streaky Bay and Ceduna all had their coldest September in at least 70 years.

As far as rainfall goes, Adelaide had its wettest September in nine years, gaining 71mm, 11mm more than the long-term monthly average.

"The bulk of Adelaide’s rain fell in the first week of the month due to the passage of a couple of strong cold fronts. During this period there was some flooding, which also affected most agricultural areas," Dutschke said.

Almost all of the agricultural area in South Australia achieved its average September rainfall in the first week with 50 to 150mm, some areas more than doubled the monthly average in that week.

Murray Bridge had its wettest September in 117 years with 88mm, 52m more than average. On Yorke Peninsula, Paskeville had its third wettest September in 120 years of records, gaining 103mm.

"Looking ahead, the next few days will be the warmest since May. For the SANFL Grand Final, 25 degrees is a good chance. Central District haven't played in this sort of heat since round four, Norwood haven't since round 1," Dutschke said.

"With only minimal help from La Nina, we are still expecting near average rainfall over the next few months. Daytime and overnight temperatures should also remain near average. However we could see a few very hot days in October and November."

Media Inquiries:

Brett Dutschke
media@weatherzone.com.au
02 9965 9269

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