SPRING has arrived with the promise of warmer weather following a cold yet unseasonably dry winter across the South East.
The average minimum temperature during June, July and August was a brisk 5.1 degrees, while the average maximum temperature of 14 degrees was above average for June and July and almost exactly average for August.
The season started dry, with only 35mm falling in June, down on the long-term average of 96.8mm.
Despite June 2017 being the driest June recorded in South Australia since 2007, rainfall in pastoral districts was closer to average.
A stronger fall was recorded in July, with 112.4mm of rain, which was 7.1mm above the monthly average of 105.3mm.
Daytime temperatures in spring are likely to be warmer than average across the South East, with an average maximum temperature of 16.3 degrees in September and 18.4 degrees in October.
Minimum temperatures are also likely to be warmer, with average minimum temperatures of 7.2 degrees and 7.7 degrees predicted for September and October – above the average monthly minimum temperatures of 6.3 and 7.1 degrees.
Maximum temperatures in November are predicted to hover around 18.6 degrees.
Rainfall is expected to reach 77mm in September, above the monthly average of 76.2, while rainfall is predicted to reach the monthly average of 58mm for October.
Bureau of Meteorology climate prediction manager Dr Andrew Watkins said while spring days and nights were expected to be warmer than average, clear nights meant the risk of frost will continue.
“We’ve just experienced a very warm and dry winter,” Dr Watkins said.
“In fact, daytime temperatures were at record-high levels across much of the country this winter.”
