Climate

Victoria's Climate | Drought Management

Mean annual maximum temperatures in the North Central region range from 17.8°C in Creswick to over 22°C in Kerang and Echuca. Maximum temperatures are highest in the northern parts of the catchment all year round, generally averaging about 30°C during summer and 14-15°C in winter. Temperature lows in the north average about 9.4°C during summer and drop to an average of 4.5°C in winter. In the central part of the region, towns such as Bendigo experience average annual temperature maximums of 20.4°C, with a mean of about 28°C during summer and 13°C in winter. The average annual minimum temperature in these areas is 9°C, with an average minimum of 12-14°C in summer and 4°C during winter. In the southern part of the region, maximum temperatures average from almost 18°C in Creswick to just over 20°C in Castlemaine. During summer the south averages highs of 25-28°C and the average winter range is about 11-13°C. Mean temperature minimums are slightly higher in Castlemaine (6.7°C) and Creswick (6.6°C) than in Kyneton (5.6°C), and this is true for both summer and winter seasons, where minimum temperatures generally range between 9-11°C and 2-3°C respectively.

Sunset near Charlton

Moving from south to north within the North Central region, mean annual rainfall decreases significantly. The highest annual average rainfall recorded is in Creswick (756 mm), closely followed by Kyneton (753 mm). Bendigo receives an annual average of 550 mm. In the far north, mean annual rainfall is lowest in Kerang (377 mm).

Source: Bureau of Meteorology Climate Averages Website.

For more climate and weather information visit these Bureau of Meteorology websites:

Climate & Weather Data

Daily and weekly rain, temperature and general weather observations (external link)

Forecast information, including provincial city and fire weather forecasts (external link)

The Bureau of Meteorology website provides a regular radar update covering a 128 km radius from Melbourne (external link).

North Central climate averages (external link)

Bendigo climate information (external link)

St Arnaud climate information (external link)

Reference

Bureau of Meteorology Climate Averages Website

Water and Rainfall Status

The following water and rainfall status reports are available for the North Central region:

• Current Status of Water Resources
• Streamflow Status Report
• Rainfall
• Storage Levels
• Groundwater Storage Situation Report
• Restrictions on Urban Supplies
• Irrigation Allocations and Restrictions

For an up to date Goulburn-Murray ‘Water Storage Report’ see the ‘Systems Reports’ section of the Goulburn-Murray Water website (external link).

Page Top