30/09/2009: Residents of Perth have just shivered through their coldest September days in at least 15 years, according to weatherzone.com.au.

The city had an average maximum of 19 degrees, slightly below the long term normal of 20. This made it the coldest September in terms of daytime temperatures since records began at the current site in 1994. In fact, on the 29th, the mercury struggled to just 14 degrees, the coldest September day in 10 years.

This was a trend repeated right across Western Australia. For example, Karnet had an average maximum of 15 degrees, the lowest for September in 37 years of records.

In contrast, the nights were slightly warmer than normal. Perth had an average minimum of 10 degrees, slightly above the long term normal of nine. This made it the mildest September in terms of overnight temperatures since 2006.

However, this was not replicated statewide. For example, Meekatharra had an average minimum of nine degrees, its lowest for September in 59 years of records.

When both daytime and overnight temperatures were combined, Perth came in with an average temperature of 14 degrees, slightly below the long term normal of 15. This made it the coldest September since 2005.

"September was dominated by persistent westerly winds, frequent fronts and pools of cold air in the upper levels of the atmosphere. These combined to result in below average temperatures across much of Western Australia," weatherzone.com.au meteorologist Matt Pearce said.

Rainfall was close to normal. Perth picked up 80mm throughout September, slightly below the long term normal of 89mm.

It was a wet month over the southwest corner. For example, Shannon received 203mm, its highest total for September in 12 years of records.

"The westerly winds resulted in frequent spells of showers across southwest Western Australia. In fact, in some locations, rain was recorded on all but a handful of days throughout the month," Pearce said.

"We are expecting a shift back to warmer than average weather over the next few months across Western Australia. Rainfall is likely to continue close to normal, and there are early indications of a slightly wetter than average wet season across northern parts of the state."

Media Inquiries:

Matt Pearce
media@weatherzone.com.au
02 9965 9236

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