Clinging to the fertile edges of our continent, away from the extremes of the interior, Australians enjoy their climate. At times we could be mistaken in believing that we even have it to some degree under control. At its warmest and coolest, in the dry and wet we have increasingly been able to tuck ourselves away in our homes and cars. “Aircon” on, windows closed. As February unfolded we were starkly reminded that sometimes that is not enough.
Heatwave and Bushfires in Southern Australia
The heatwave conditions in Southern Australia that had commenced at the end of January continued into early February. Records, both in terms of temperatures reached and consecutive days of heat, fell across large areas in Victoria, South Australia and Southern NSW.
The heatwave culminated in the worst bushfire tragedy in Australian history on the the 7th of February as the heat, low humidity and strong winds of the day combined to produce in Victoria some of the most extreme fire conditions every experienced. The loss of life and property has been well covered in many locations, the key weather resources as well as links to the major news services are included below. Donations can be made at the Australian Red Cross.
- January - February 2009 - South East Australia - Australian Bureau of Meteorology (PDF) - Detailed analysis of heat wave.
- January - February 2009 - South East Australia - Michael Bath et al.
- 7th February 2009 onwards - Victorian Bushfires - ABC Reporting
- 7th February 2009 onwards - Victorian Bushfires - The Age
- 7th February 2009 - Australian Weather Extremes - Laurier Williams
Flooding North Queensland
While Southern Australia suffered through heat and fires the Monsoon became extremely active in North Queensland with major flooding occuring as a result of a tropical low from ex Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
- February 2009 - North Qld - ABC Info Graphic of Cyclone Ellie
- 9th February 2009 - Far North Queensland - Courier Mail Report
- February 2009 - Far North Queensland - Courier Mail Photo Gallery
- 11th February - Far North Queensland - Courer Mail Report
Flooding NSW North Coast and Far West
Heavy rain from a low pressure system brought heavy rain to the NSW North Coast as well as Far Western NSW. Reports to follow.