In which climatic zones is Australia located - description, features and interesting facts. When is the best time to vacation in Australia Water temperature in Australia

Australia is the only country in the world that ranks a whole continent. True, this is the most small continent on Earth: its area is 7,686,850 square kilometers, which is about half the size of Russia. Nevertheless, Australian territory can accommodate, for example, Great Britain 32 times, and all of continental Europe (except for the Russian part) about two times.

Located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Australia is known as a country with beautiful warm weather and a wide variety of climatic conditions.

According to the generally accepted classification of climatologist Vladimir Koeppen, there are six climatic zones in Australia - from the hot equatorial in the north of the continent to the cold alpine in the mountains of Victoria, where the highest point of the continent, Mount Kosciuszko, is located.

But without going into scientific details, the general picture of Australia’s climatic conditions is as follows: the northern and central part of the continent is tropical and subequatorial belts, and southern regions, where subtropics and temperate climates dominate.

Like other countries in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Australia are opposite to what we are used to. From December to February there is summer, from March to May - autumn, from June to August - winter months and from September to November - spring.

Most of the north of the Australian continent does not experience extreme weather conditions or serious temperature changes. Cool winters pass with an average temperature of +13°C, and average temperature in the warm season it reaches +29°C.

This happens because the climate characteristic of tropical latitudes brings only two weather seasons- wet and dry.

During the dry season - from May to October - it is almost always sunny, the average air humidity is 30%. The wet season in Australia lasts from November to April, this is the time of monsoons, tropical cyclones and thunderstorms.

However, in some regions the climate can be harsher, with significant temperature differences. This applies primarily to sparsely populated central Australia, where desert climate, suggesting a sharp change in temperature during the day. Measurements in Alice Springs, located here, show a rise to +40...45°C during the day and sometimes drops to 0°C at night. The central part of Australia is considered unsuitable for life, but there are national parks and extractive industries. So biologists and geologists planning to travel to Australia should be prepared for such weather.

The southern parts of the country have the most fertile soils and are home to most of the population. In the south-east of Australia there are also its capital Canberra and two largest cities- Sydney and Melbourne.

These regions are characterized by a temperate climate. Unlike the north of Australia, it is noticeably cooler here, all four seasons can be distinguished, and the number of hours of sunshine reaches an impressive figure - 3000 per year! For comparison, the sunniest city in Russia - the resort of Anapa - receives only 2,400 hours of cloudless sky annually, and Moscow is almost one and a half times less.

Meteorological phenomena

The average annual precipitation in Australia is approximately the same for all seasons and barely exceeds 400 mm (in Moscow - 705 mm). However, in the southern agricultural zone, wetter westerly winds prevail, which can bring up to 700 mm of precipitation per year.

Due to the Australian climate, it is best for international travelers to plan their trip to northern Australia between June and September, before the hot season begins. South Australia is best visited between November and March, when warm and sunny days.

Other times are suitable for those who are interested in sudden vagaries of weather. For example, in September (i.e., the beginning of spring) 2009 in Sydney due to the strongest dust storm Airports were closed for a whole day, highways were blocked, and most of the city was covered with a layer of tiny reddish dust brought by the wind.

It is in Australia that one can observe one of the most amazing meteorological phenomena in the world - clouds called "Morning Gloria". This rare and majestic spectacle occurs from late September to early November in the north of the country, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and is a series of moving cylindrical clouds, reaching a thousand kilometers in length and two kilometers in diameter.

The appearance of “Morning Glory” is always accompanied by squalls and increased pressure on the surface, while the clouds themselves, moving at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, do not change their elongated shape.

The weather of the continent can present both pleasant and unpleasant surprises, but in general, coastal Australia, especially its southern part, has a warm, sunny climate, almost ideal for a comfortable life, efficient work, and for

Australia's proximity to the equator determines the country's climate. Australia is an arid continent with many desert regions. In relation to the equator, the state stretches from west to east. Compared to South America and even Africa this country considered drier and hotter.

Climate conditions of Australia

On the huge continent where the country of the same name is located, there are several climatic zones:

• Subequatorial north;
• Tropical Center;
• Subtropical south;
• Temperate Tasmania.

Thus, Australia's climate directly depends on its geographical areas.

In the north of the country, the average temperature ranges from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. It falls out there greatest number precipitation per year is approximately 1500 mm. Northern regions are subject to precipitation in summer time, then the winter in the north is dry.

A humid tropical climate prevails in the east and center of Australia. In winter in Sydney, temperatures vary from 11 to 13 degrees Celsius. In summer, the capital has moderate heat up to 25 degrees.

In the west, the tropics of Australia become dry, forming deserts and steppes for hundreds of kilometers. In the south of the country it is humid in winter and dry in summer, June temperatures reach 14-15 degrees Celsius.

The island of Tasmania is affected temperate climate. There is no high humidity or extreme heat, but winters are also colder than on the continent itself. Tasmania's climate resembles climatic conditions British Isles.

Summer in Australia

In Australia it’s the other way around: in winter it’s summer and in summer it’s winter. Winter summer on the continent begins in June. Then thermometers record 15-20 degrees Celsius. In July it can be 13 degrees outside, and it often rains and thunderstorms.

Australian autumn

Autumn begins on the Australian continent in September and lasts until November. Temperature gradually increases. In November the average temperature reaches 23 degrees.

When it's autumn almost all over the world, it's spring for Australians

The temperature shift relative to the seasons on the mainland is due to the proximity Southern Hemisphere.

Winter in Australia

Forty-degree heat in winter occurs only in Australia. Such heat occurs in the central regions of the mainland. In addition, winter is the driest period on Australian lands, but on December 25, all Catholics on the continent still celebrate Christmas.

Australian spring

Spring, which is considered autumn in Australia, colors the trees in the parks in golden and crimson tones. From March to May, the leaves on the trees turn yellow, and night temperatures drop significantly. Already at the end of May the air rarely warms up above 16 degrees.

Climate of Australia

1. Geographic latitude . The continent is located primarily in the tropics; the dominant air mass here is tropical. She forms arid climate, as it prevents the formation of precipitation due to increased atmospheric pressure.

2. Relief. The mountains of the Great Dividing Range in the east meet the trade winds with Pacific Ocean, which carry humid, sea air. The mountains hold them back. Humid air, rising into the mountains, cooling, loses moisture, which falls here on east coast in the form of large amounts of precipitation, forming an area of ​​permanently moist forests. The rest of the continent is flat. During the hot season, equatorial air freely penetrates into northern regions Australia, bringing here the rainy season in December-February.

Located in the southernmost part of the continent subtropical climate zone. The subtropics are influenced by two air masses during the year: in summer (December-February) a tropical air mass, and in winter (June-August) a temperate one. Therefore, southern Australia is characterized by hot summers with sunny weather and rainy winters. The subtropics are also divided into three sectors: western, continental and eastern. West, as well as in the tropics, is influenced by the cold Western Australian Current, and also in the south by the cold Western Wind Current. However, due to the arrival of a moderate air mass in winter, it still receives significantly more precipitation than the tropics. Here is formed natural area hard-leaved shrubs, and when moving inland -

Australia in winter

Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the order of the seasons is mirrored from that in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in Australia.

Thus, winter in Australia occurs approximately from April to September. Typically, the Australian winter is characterized by a warm and dry climate, in contrast to the summer, which is monsoon and hot. However, in general, temperature differences in Australia are very small compared, for example, with the European part of Russia.

Features of Winter in Australia

IN winter season During the year the continent cools: in the northern part by an average of 5-6°C; in the south by 10-12°C. An area is established over the mainland high pressure. The northern coast is influenced by hot and dry southeastern winds and receives virtually no precipitation. There is no rain in the interior parts of the mainland either.

Along the south coast and over Tasmania, the wind is from the west during this season. Unstable weather with cyclonic rains occurs here, so the winter maximum precipitation is observed south of 32° south latitude. The only exception is the southeastern edge of the mainland, where relatively cold southwesterly winds blow in winter. In connection with this, in winter here, as well as in the northern part of the mainland, there is less precipitation than in summer.

Winter in different parts of Australia

The size of the country determines a wide climatic diversity: from deserts to coasts, from tropical forests to snowy mountains. Therefore, there are differences in the climatic conditions of the northern and southern parts of the country.

The northern part of Australia - approximately 40% of the country's territory - is located in the tropical climate zone. In fact, there are only two seasons here - summer and winter. Southern part located in a temperate climate zone, all four seasons are expressed here:
spring (September - November); summer (December - February); autumn (March - May); winter (June - August).

In the north and north-west of Australia, the most favorable weather occurs in winter, from May to October. It's hot here during the day and cool at night. The air becomes dry, the sky is blue all the time. The ocean water in this part of Australia is practically all year round reminds fresh milk. In the cities of Perth and Darwin the average temperature in winter is +18°C.

On the east coast of Australia the climate is more similar to southern Europe. It's cool here in winter. The average temperature in Brisbane is 18°C, in Melbourne 15°C. Even night frosts occur here. The water in the ocean does not warm up well, its average temperature in winter is about 11°C.

The most favorable weather in winter time in South Eastern Australia. In Sydney, winter is reminiscent of winter in the Mediterranean resorts of France and Spain. On a typical winter day, the air temperature here is 16-22°C, sunny days predominate, and there is little precipitation. The water temperature in the ocean in winter is 18°C.

In a special climate zone Australia stand out mountainous areas where the weather is subject to fluctuations. Thus, in the capital of Australia, Canberra, the climate is moderate with all the features inherent in mountainous regions. Winter here is cold and snowy. The weather, as elsewhere in the mountains, changes quickly and unpredictably. Throughout the year, large amplitudes of fluctuations in daytime temperature are observed: it can be hot during the day and cold at night, and snow can even fall in the heat.

A special climate also exists in the interior of Australia. It is considered the driest place in the entire Southern Hemisphere. It is hot and dry here even in winter. Sea air, which sometimes penetrates far into the continent, quickly warms up and loses moisture.

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Climate zones of Australia

Due to the fact that the mainland lies within three warm climatic zones of the Southern Hemisphere, and the island of Tasmania is in the temperate zone, its climatic conditions will be diverse.

There are 4 climatic zones on the mainland:

• Subequatorial zone;
• Tropical zone;
• Subtropical zone;
• Temperate zone.

In general, it is typical for Australia arid climate type. Precipitation during the year ranges from $250$-$500$ mm. The driest area is in the south of the mainland, around the lake Air and covers an area of ​​several thousand square kilometers. The annual number here is less 125 mm. In the center of Australia there may be no precipitation for several years in a row. Areas with a large number falling moisture are small in area and located in places where humid air rises above orographic barriers.

In the area Queensland the largest number of them is registered – $4500$ mm per year. The coastal northern regions, the east and southeast of the mainland, and the island can boast a precipitation amount of $500$ mm per year. Tasmania. Precipitation in the form snow only appear in Australian Alps, Victoria, New South Wales at an altitude of more than 1350 m. Australia, like other continents, is also affected by the problem global change climate. This manifests itself in reduction in power And duration of snow cover in the mountains. The precipitation regime is characterized by seasonal differences. Most of them fall out in summer period , which lasts from December to March. The southern part of the mainland and the western coast receive precipitation in winter.

Temperatures are also characteristic seasonal variations. The northwest coast is one of the most roast area. Minimum temperatures not typical for the mainland, with the exception of mountainous areas New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Alps and most of Tasmania. Frosts in these areas can occur at any time of the year, and the frost-free period lasts for $300$ days.

Spring period on the mainland begins with month of September and lasts until the end November. Wildlife blossoms during this period. The temperatures are optimal - not too hot, but not cold either. Summer– the most hot and dry time of year, in deserts the air warms up to $40$ degrees in the shade. Autumn, as on other continents, is called golden and lasts from March to May. The most best time years for the mainland is winter, the air temperature does not exceed $20$ degrees, it rains infrequently.

Characteristics of climate zones

Subequatorial climate zone of Australia and occupies the northern and northeastern part of the mainland. Throughout the year in this zone there is a smooth variation in air temperature +$23$-$24$ degrees and large number precipitation that comes with wet northwest monsoon. Precipitation falls unevenly across the climate zone; most of it remains on the coast. Their total number during the year is $1000$-$1500$ mm, and in some places it can be up to $2000$ mm. Summer within the belt very wet with thunderstorms. Dry the period of the year here is winter, rain falls sporadically. Dry and hot winds blowing from the interior of the continent can cause drought. Air masses change with the seasons of the year. The water near the shore warms up to +$25$ degrees and remains constant.

Tropical climate zone of Australia. In the background high temperatures air, in January +$30$, in July +$16$ degrees, within this belt formed two types climate – continental (desert) and humid tropical. The difference between these types is the nature moisturizing. The amount of precipitation here varies from east to west - during humid tropical climate, up to $2000$ mm falls, and in desert type precipitation is only about $200$ mm per year.

Humid tropical the region is within the zone of action of southeastern trade winds, which bring saturated air masses. The coastal plains and eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range are well moistened and characterized by mild warm climate. Tropical desert climate, occupying the central and western parts of the continent, receives precipitation from $250$-$300$ mm per year. Northwestern Australia, where it is located Big sandy desert , summer temperatures remain at +$35$ degrees, in winter they drop to +$20$. Precipitation here is also uneven. It happens that they are gone for several years, and sometimes the entire annual norm falls out in a few hours. Some of the water quickly goes underground and becomes inaccessible to plants, while the other part evaporates.

Subtropical climate zone of Australia.

Within this zone there are three types of climate:

• Mediterranean type;
• Subtropical continental type;
• Subtropical wet type climate.

The southwestern part of the continent is characterized by Mediterranean type similar to the climate of Spain and Southern France - dry and hot summer, warm and wet winter. Temperature fluctuations by season are small - in January +$23$-$27$ degrees, in June +$12$-$14$ degrees. Annual precipitation ranges from $600$-$1000$ mm. Continental subtropical climate occupies the part of the continent that is adjacent to Great Australian Bight. The climate is characterized by large annual fluctuations in air temperature and a small amount precipitation. State Victoria, southwestern foothills of New South Wales located within the boundaries subtropical humid climate. Precipitation mainly falls in the coastal part - $500$-$600$ mm, and as it moves deeper into the continent, its amount decreases. Summer temperatures rise to +$20$-$24$ degrees, and winter temperatures drop to +$8$-$10$ degrees.

Temperate climate zone of Australia. The central and southern parts of the island are located within the belt Tasmania. The island's climate, influenced by the surrounding waters, differs moderately warm winter And cool summer.

Note 2

The average monthly temperature in January is +$14$-$17$ degrees, and in June +$8$. Prevailing winds western direction, which carry a lot of moisture from the ocean, in the west of the island - $2500$ mm. Rainy days of the year here $259$. For winter period Snow may fall, but it does not linger for a long period.

Australia's extreme weather conditions

Australia's weather conditions can be extreme character. During wet season in tropical areas may occur cyclones. In desert areas, for several years in a row, severe droughts, and falling rains lead to floods. In the southern states, the rainiest months are from May to July. From June to September there is a snow season in the Australian Alps.

Cyclones- a tropical phenomenon. They are guests of the coast Western Australia And Queensland. About $6$ of cyclones hit the mainland every year, and one of the most famous is Cyclone Tracy$1974$ City Darwin evacuated due to $80$% damage. Over $600 people were injured and $49 $ died. Tracy wasn't the worst cyclone. Passed over Australia hurricane in $1899$ ​​in Queensland, killed $400$ people and destroyed a whole fleet for the extraction of pearls and fish.

For central regions Australian characteristics severe droughts. In these areas, the heat of the day is replaced by intense cold at night. But these are unusual droughts. There have been quite a lot of such droughts over the past $200$ years. For example, drought$1895$-$1903$ lasted no less than $8$ years. As a result half of all sheep countries and $40$ % cattle died. A $5-year drought occurred between $1963-$1968. – result – harvest decreased by $40$% wheat. The same drought only in the central part of the continent lasted $8$ years - from $1958$-$1967$.

Note 3

The most hot the place of the mainland is Cloncurry, where in the shade the air temperature rises to +$50$ degrees. Minimum precipitation amount – $126$ mm recorded in Willpum Creek, A maximum– in the east Innisfail$3535$ mm.