AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WEATHER

These areas have two distinct rainy seasons associated with the northward and southward movement of the ITCZ. Rainfall averages over 120 inches annually in some areas. Throughout the rest of the year, precipitation remains plentiful because of the influx of maritime air from the west. There are no significant mountains in the region to prevent this maritime air from migrating inland. Temperatures are moderate year round. Southeast Coastal Region The southeast coastal region has a humid subtropical climate. This region has rainfall all year (45 inches on the average) and temperatures remain generally moderate all year, ranging from an average maximum of 72°F in winter (July) to 89°F in summer (January). Southeastern Interior Region This region has a wet-and-dry type of maritime climate; however, it is considered temperate because of the lower temperatures common to the higher elevation. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WEATHER Australia has a generally mild climate with cool winters in the south and warm winters in the north. Summers are warm along the coasts and generally hot in the interior. Freezing temperatures are infrequent. Australia’s climatic zones are relatively uncomplicated due to the lack of high mountain ranges. The northern third of Australia is located within the tropical zone. The region has a rainy season that runs from January to April. Annual precipitation is greatest (nearly 100 inches) in the extreme north and tapers off to the south and inland toward the semiarid interior. The interior, along the Tropic of Capricorn, is very hot and dry in the summer with average maximum temperatures at or above 90°F. In the winter, average maximum temperatures in some areas drop to 68°F. The southern two-thirds of Australia is under the influence of the high-pressure belts of the Southern Hemisphere as well as of the migratory lows found farther southward. The southwest and southern portions of this region have rainy winters and near-drought conditions in the summer similar to the Mediterranean climate. Temperatures average 80°F in January and 55°F in July. The climate of the southeast corner is very similar to the southwest region except it experiences a shorter winter and less annual precipitation. New Zealand is located southeast of Australia. It is a very narrow country with a southwest to northeast orientation and is exposed to the prevailing westerlies. Therefore, the climate is moderate and predominantly maritime with moderate precipitation occurring throughout the year. The northern part of New Zealand has a subtropical climate; however, winter frost and occasional snow can occur at locations farther south in highland areas. Fog is often widespread and very persistent over much of the country in advance of approaching frontal systems. Precipitation averages 49 inches in the northern half of the country and up to 170 inches in the southern half. Temperatures range from an annual average of 59°F in the north and 55°F in the central region to 50°F in the south. REVIEW QUESTIONS Q6-17. What are the two climatic extremes that relate to water and land distribution over the earth? Q6-18. What region in the United States experiences Mediterranean type climate? Q6-19. What is the major cause of the winter and summer monsoons near Asia? Q6-20. Why does South America lack the severe weather that is common in North America? 6-30