Climate for Station: Canberra Airport Comparison, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Climate Analysis & Overview
Canberra Airport's climate profile reveals a complex interplay between long-term warming and recent cooling trends. While all-time data shows a modest warming, the past decade has seen a noticeable cooling trend. Precipitation patterns have shifted towards more even distribution, potentially impacting local water resources and agriculture.
Geographical Influence and Climate Classification
Canberra Airport, located at -35.3049, 149.2014, falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, indicating a temperate oceanic climate. The surrounding geography, including the Brindabella Ranges, plays a significant role in shaping its weather patterns. These mountains can moderate temperatures and influence precipitation, often resulting in cooler summers and milder winters compared to more inland regions.
Temperature Trends: A Tale of Two Timelines
The all-time temperature trends at Canberra Airport indicate a slight warming, with highs rising by 0.25°C (0.45°F) and lows by 0.12°C (0.22°F). However, the past decade tells a different story, with a cooling trend observed. Highs have decreased by 0.97°C (1.75°F), and lows by 0.42°C (0.75°F). This divergence between long-term warming and recent cooling could be attributed to natural climate variability or regional climatic shifts.
Record Extremes: A City of Contrasts
Canberra Airport has experienced significant temperature extremes, with a record high of 44.0°C (111.2°F) and a record low of -10.0°C (14.0°F). These extremes highlight the potential for significant thermal oscillations, which can impact infrastructure and energy demand. The variability in temperature extremes underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in urban planning and resource management.
Precipitation Patterns: A Shift Towards Evenness
The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) at Canberra Airport has decreased from a baseline of 12.6 to a current value of 9.8. This indicates a more even distribution of rainfall events, as a lower PCI suggests precipitation is spread more consistently throughout the year. Such a shift could benefit agriculture by reducing the risk of droughts and floods, aligning with Australia's regional climate goals of sustainable water management.
Regional Climate Goals and Implications
Australia's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience provides a backdrop to these findings. The observed cooling trend over the past decade may offer temporary relief in terms of heat stress, but the overall warming trend necessitates continued efforts in emission reductions and climate adaptation strategies. As Canberra navigates these changes, the integration of climate data into policy-making will be crucial for achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Station Statistics
10-Year Trend
High: -1.75 °F/decade
Low: -0.75 °F/decade
Rain: +0.017 in/decade
25-Year Trend
High: +0.09 °F/decade
Low: -0.34 °F/decade
Rain: +0.008 in/decade
50-Year Trend
High: +0.64 °F/decade
Low: +0.07 °F/decade
Rain: +0.001 in/decade
All-Time Trend
High: +0.44 °F/decade
Low: +0.21 °F/decade
Rain: -0.000 in/decade
Percentage Above-Average Days
Last 12 Months: 57.3%
This Year: 59.3%
Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) ℹ️
Last 12 Months: 9.0
Historical Average: 13.2
Percentile Rank of Last 12 Months ℹ️
High: 97th percentile
Low: 67th percentile
Rain: 26th percentile
Change in Variance ℹ️
High: +3.1%
Low: +8.7%
Intraday: +0.0%
Data Coverage
90.5%
First Year of Data
1927
Station Location
Historical Weather Records
| Max High | Avg High | Min High | Max Avg | Avg Avg | Min Avg | Max Low | Avg Low | Min Low | Max Precipitation | Avg Precipitation | Max Snow | Avg Snow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 111.20 °F | — | 35.78 °F | 93.20 °F | — | 29.48 °F | 78.80 °F | — | 14.00 °F | 4.13 in | — | — | — |
| January | 111.20 °F | 82.98 °F | 53.96 °F | 93.02 °F | 69.03 °F | 49.28 °F | 76.64 °F | 56.05 °F | 34.88 °F | 3.29 in | 0.07 in | — | — |
| February | 108.86 °F | 81.09 °F | 53.60 °F | 93.20 °F | 67.59 °F | 49.82 °F | 77.90 °F | 55.66 °F | 37.04 °F | 2.70 in | 0.08 in | — | — |
| March | 99.50 °F | 76.32 °F | 54.32 °F | 85.82 °F | 63.50 °F | 45.68 °F | 78.80 °F | 51.48 °F | 30.02 °F | 3.64 in | 0.07 in | — | — |
| April | 90.68 °F | 68.29 °F | 46.76 °F | 77.18 °F | 55.87 °F | 39.38 °F | 64.40 °F | 44.04 °F | 25.34 °F | 2.41 in | 0.06 in | — | — |
| May | 76.10 °F | 60.29 °F | 39.74 °F | 65.66 °F | 48.48 °F | 33.08 °F | 59.18 °F | 37.43 °F | 18.50 °F | 3.77 in | 0.05 in | — | — |
| June | 68.18 °F | 54.33 °F | 35.78 °F | 60.08 °F | 43.73 °F | 29.48 °F | 54.86 °F | 33.74 °F | 16.70 °F | 2.26 in | 0.06 in | — | — |
| July | 67.46 °F | 52.88 °F | 36.50 °F | 57.38 °F | 42.16 °F | 29.48 °F | 53.60 °F | 31.87 °F | 14.00 °F | 1.52 in | 0.05 in | — | — |
| August | 75.20 °F | 55.91 °F | 38.30 °F | 65.48 °F | 44.85 °F | 32.72 °F | 53.60 °F | 33.78 °F | 16.70 °F | 1.80 in | 0.06 in | — | — |
| September | 86.36 °F | 61.68 °F | 42.62 °F | 72.68 °F | 50.05 °F | 37.04 °F | 60.98 °F | 37.74 °F | 19.58 °F | 2.11 in | 0.07 in | — | — |
| October | 90.86 °F | 67.59 °F | 44.96 °F | 77.00 °F | 55.66 °F | 39.56 °F | 64.40 °F | 42.98 °F | 25.88 °F | 4.13 in | 0.08 in | — | — |
| November | 102.20 °F | 73.52 °F | 48.38 °F | 86.72 °F | 60.99 °F | 42.26 °F | 78.80 °F | 48.07 °F | 28.76 °F | 2.45 in | 0.08 in | — | — |
| December | 105.98 °F | 79.44 °F | 51.62 °F | 89.96 °F | 65.96 °F | 44.42 °F | 75.02 °F | 52.62 °F | 33.98 °F | 2.29 in | 0.07 in | — | — |
Data Visualisations
Remove WatermarksCurrent Year Climate Trends vs Historical
Max Temperature this Year | 1 of 6
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages
Max Temperature 12-Month MA | 1 of 6
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year
Average Max Temperature Throughout Year | 1 of 5
