June 2003

RAINFALL

Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Moorabool catchment fared quite badly in June rainfalls, according to Lindsay Smail, Director of Geelong Weather Services. Most of the city received only around 18mm, from 14mm at Lara to 22mm at Mt Duneed. The urban average for the month is about 50mm. Slightly better news was the fact that the Otways catchment received just above average falls at Mt Sabine and Forrest. In fact, that part of the Otways down to Cape Otway were all above average, but much more is needed to recharge reservoirs and underground reserves, now at 42% of capacity.

All of the rain came from the NW and SW, in response to the eastward passage of several low pressure centres and their associated fronts. However, in every case the infamous Geelong rain shadow (the sheltering effect of the Otways and Great Dividing Range) played its usual role in diminishing our district’s potential totals. Geelong has now had below average rain in 16 of the last 19 months.

TEMPERATURES

Geelong’s June temperatures were about one degree above the 30-year normals. Daily minima averaged 6.5 degrees (normal 5.9) and maxima 15.4 (normal 14.3). The lowest overnight temperature reached -0.3 degrees on the morning of the 26th. The warmest day was the 2nd when the thermometer recorded 21.7.

OTHER FEATURES

There were four days of very strong winds; the 4th, 5th, 6th and 13th. On the 6th maximum gusts of 107kph were recorded at Mt Gellibrand, 101 at Pt Lonsdale and 90kph at Mt Duneed.

Several fogs were experienced, but most dispersed quite early, and one frost in the urban area on the 26th.

RAINFALL DATA