Sophie Conlon
Mount Gambier has endured its hottest day of the year as temperatures soared to 40.3°C early in the week.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Vince Rowlands confirmed that Tuesday, December 27, was the hottest day in Mount Gambier this year and said it had been the hottest December day in a while.
“We’ve had 40s in December not that often, but it’s not that unusual either, January is more likely to see temperatures in the 40s,” he said.
He acknowledged the beginning of summer had been a bit all over the place and said the rest of the season would be close to average in terms of temperature.
It is expected the weather will stay warm through January and then start to cool a little towards the end of summer.
“The outlooks are saying you’re looking at an average summer as far as temperatures go,” he said.
“We’ve got just as much chance of seeing some temperatures getting around 40 again as what we would have most years.
“We’ve had some years where we haven’t had 40s, but they’re few and far between.”
In regards to rainfall, Mr Rowlands said January could be a little wetter than normal, but he predicted an average February.
“January’s got a slight signature for exceeding median rainfall, so maybe looking towards a slightly wetter January, but not significantly so, February you’ve got a 50/50 chance of exceeding median rainfall or getting a bit less, so it’s pretty much going to be an average February,” he said.
“It’s really not showing a definite signature either way, it could be a bit wetter, but again it depends on the patterns that move through.”
Mr Rowlands said it would be a great time for people to get outdoors and take advantage of the summer months.
“I don’t think 40s are very enjoyable for that many people but it will be nice to get some warmer days in summer and get out and enjoy,” he said.
