Weather News

add to my site

Summery weekend ahead for southeast Australia

Josh Fisher, Thursday February 23, 2012 - 13:35 EDT

February temperatures are running below average across most of the nation's southeast, but more summer-like temperatures are in store for this weekend.

Adelaide's maximum temperature is averaging just 27 degrees so far this month, which is two below the long-term February average of 29 degrees. This was largely due to a cool start to the month, when the first 12 days averaged just 24 degrees, the coolest start to February in a decade.

Sydney has also been lacking hot days this month and during summer as a whole. The city will typically see around nine days above 30 degrees during summer, but so far this season the temperature has only climbed above 30 degrees once.

Melbourne has fared a little better so far this month, with daytime temperatures running slightly above average at 26.3 degrees. There have been four days above 30 degrees, three below what is typically experienced in February.

There will be no lack of warmth for this weekend though. A ridge of high pressure will dominate conditions, maintaining clear skies through much of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. This high will also direct northerly winds into the southeast, which will carry some of the interior heat further south.

Adelaide is expected to hover around the mid thirties on each day between now and Sunday, while Melbourne also warms above 30 degrees during the coming days.

It will be a slower warming for Sydney, although beach-goers won't be disappointed as skies remain clear. The temperatures will rise into the upper twenties during the weekend, before peaking close to 30 degrees early next week.

A trough will then bring an abrupt and wet end to the heat next week. This change is expected to reach Adelaide and Melbourne on Monday, before pushing into Sydney during Tuesday. This trough is also expected to bring a return of stormy weather.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2012