Coldest August In 48 Years

Newcastle Herald

Monday September 1, 2008

GR

NEWCASTLE will welcome the first day of spring today after shivering its way through the coldest August in 48 years.

Newcastle's average temperature for the month was 11.9 degrees well down on the long-term average of 13.8 degrees, Weatherzone meteorologist Matt Pearce said yesterday.

Mr Pearce said Sydney's August had been the coldest in 64 years. Sydney's monthly average was slightly higher at at 12.7 degrees.

August in the Hunter was also much drier than the 144-year long-term average.

Weatherzone statistics show that only 32.8 mm of rain had been recorded for the month. This was less than half the 75.1 mm average at the Nobby's Head weather station.

Newcastle reached the 18 degree average maximum temperature on only nine out of 31 days during the month.

Minimum temperatures were below the 8.2 degree average on 24 days.

Last Saturday, August 23, was the coldest, with a maximum of only 13.3 degrees.

The lowest minimum, 5.2 degrees, was recorded on Monday, August 18.

The average maximum temperature for the month was 17.1 degrees and the average minimum was 8.2 degrees.

Pokolbin attraction Hunter Valley Gardens will mark the beginning of spring today with the start of its fourth annual Festival of Flowers.

The month-long event is expected to attract 25,000 people.

Highlights include the Girls Big Day Out on September 6, a photographic competition, garden talks and tours.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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