After the rare three consecutive years of La Niña, which brought a wetter climate, the region is moving towards a warmer season with the El Niño phase for 2023. Photo: Tortoon.
After the warmest winter on record, the Riverina welcomed a warm first day of spring, and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is predicting that trend to continue across the region.
BoM senior climatologist Hugh McDowell said the Riverina could expect warmer and drier than average conditions this spring, with below-average rainfall.
However, September mornings are still likely to be cold and crisp.
“We’re likely to see above-average maximum and minimum temperatures,” Mr McDowell said.
“Throughout September, there’s more chance of cooler minimum temperatures in the early morning and potential frosts to come.”
Mr McDowell said the upcoming season is “almost the complete opposite” of last year’s spring.
“Last spring, the forecast was generally cooler and wet but with warmer than average mornings,” he said.
According to the Australian Fire Authorities Council, there is expected to be an increased risk of bushfires across the region due to above-average temperatures and decreased rainfall.
The senior climatologist said the bushfire risk for the Riverina will be slightly above average.
Wagga recorded 108.8 mm of rainfall this winter compared with last year’s 141 mm of rain. The coldest day was in July – a chilly -2.2 degrees Celsius – and the warmest day was in June with 21.6 degrees Celsius.
Griffith recorded 70.4 mm of rainfall this winter, compared with last year’s 120.6 mm of rain. The coldest days were recorded in July and August (-2.6 degrees Celcius), and the warmest day was in June at a balmy 24.0 degrees Celsius.
The first week of spring in the region is anticipated to be dry and sunny, with temperatures expected to reach 6 to 7 degrees Celsius above the average for the upcoming week.
Griffith is expected to hit 28 degrees Celsius, while the average maximum is only 20 degrees Celsius for September.
The forecast for the weekend and the week ahead is:
Wagga
Saturday – Min 1, Max 18
Sunday – Min 2, Max 20
Monday – Min 6, Max 25
Tuesday – Min 6, Max 19
Wednesday – Min 3, Max 18
Thursday – Min 4, Max 21
Griffith
Saturday – Min 0, Max 2
Sunday – Min 3, Max 24
Monday – Min 8, Max 28
Tuesday – Min 7, Max 21
Wednesday – Min 3, Max 21
Thursday – Min 5, Max 24
Visit the BoM for the updated weather forecast for Wagga Wagga and Griffith.
Loading ...
