Seasonal climate summary for Australia and the southern hemisphere (summer 2018–19): extreme heat and flooding prominent
Ben S. Hague
A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Bureau of Meteorology, GPO Box 1289, Melbourne, Vic. 3001, Australia. Email: ben.hague@bom.gov.au
B Monash University, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Clayton, Vic., Australia.
Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science 71(1) 147-158 https://doi.org/10.1071/ES20009
Submitted: 22 September 2020 Accepted: 27 December 2020 Published: 2 February 2021
Journal Compilation © BoM 2021 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
This is a summary of the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for summer 2018–19; an account of seasonal rainfall and temperature for the Australian region is also provided. January 2019 was Australia’s hottest month on record, nearly 1°C warmer than any previous month. Impacts of heavy rain and floods were reported in Australia, New Zealand and South American nations. Extreme terrestrial and maritime heatwaves occurred in and around Australia and New Zealand. Case studies of the Australian heatwave, Queensland floods in January and February, and a tide-driven coastal inundation event are considered.
Keywords: coastal inundation, extreme heat, flooding, heatwave, neutral ENSO season, positive OLR anomalies, summer 2018–19.
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