Tuesday 29 January 2013

OUR BIG DRY

Australia is hotter and drier than normal this summer as a weak El Niño pattern has developed across the Pacific Ocean. This is in stark contrast to the past two years, which were dominated by La Niña, conditions that contributed to heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures across much of the country. This year's El Niño will also combine with a phenomenon known as the "Indian Ocean Dipole" (IOD). We are experiencing a drier phase of the IOD as a result of cooler waters off the north-west coast of Australia.

The drier phase, combined with weakening easterly trade winds across the tropical Pacific, lead to lower moisture levels over the Southeastern part of the country and warmer daytime temperatures. As a result bushfires have caused enormous destruction in the Southern part of our continent. This is in contrast to the Northeastern regions where tropical cyclones are causing strong winds, massive rainfall and widespread flooding...

This post is part of the Our World Tuesday meme.








9 comments:

  1. How sad, you don't have water, and flooding so badly in Queensland.

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  2. It is sad to see the gardens, parks and bush so dry.

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  3. It is sad to see one area so dry and another flooding. Your photos are beautiful and remind me of our fall time. Have a great week ahead!

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  4. Hate to see such destruction!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  5. oh ! Nevertheless, a great mean to measure time and life. Spring feels not to be far from here. Temperature said to reach already about 17 during weekend. Please have a good Wednesday.

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  6. Swap you some rain for some sunny days. :)

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  7. Oh, my....you all really are dry. That first shot is a heart breaker. Hope you all survive without too much loss. genie

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  8. The dryness made for some beautiful photographs.

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  9. Too dry, but it's keeping you busy!

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