Victoria’s Climate Overview:
The southerly position of Victoria means that it tends to be cooler and receive more rainfall than other mainland area, yet despite its relatively small size the climate varies noticeably between areas. Sections in the north-west of Victoria tend to be semi-arid with very warm summers, while areas closer to the coast tend to wet and more temperate. Victoria’s slice of the Great Dividing Range also creates its own climatic zone, with elevated areas being much cooler than the rest of the state.
The average temperature in Victoria is in the range of 24°C in the summer and 15 °C in the winter, with the warmest recorded regions being the Mallee and upper Wimmera and the coolest being elevated areas, such as the Victorian Alps.
Victoria’s highest maximum temperature clocked in at 48.8 °C – recorded in Hopetoun (in the southern Mallee) in February 2009. The state’s lowest minimum temperature of a chilling −11.7 °C was recorded at Omeo (a small town on the Great Alpine Road) in June, 1965.
Average Temperature in Victoria:
The average temperature in Victoria is in the range of 24°C in the summer and 15 °C in the winter, with the warmest recorded regions being the Mallee and upper Wimmera and the coolest being elevated areas, such as the Victorian Alps.
Victoria’s highest maximum temperature clocked in at 48.8 °C – recorded in Hopetoun (in the southern Mallee) in February 2009. The state’s lowest minimum temperature of a chilling −11.7 °C was recorded at Omeo (a small town on the Great Alpine Road) in June, 1965.
Image Courtesy of Ged Carrol, Flickr
Victoria’s Average Rainfall:
Victoria enjoys a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, particularly in areas with a higher altitude. The summer months see heavy downpours while the winter months bring lighter but more frequent rain. The heaviest rainfall generally falls in southern Victoria and in the mountainous northeast.
The average annual rainfall in Victoria ranges between 1800 – 2500mm in the elevated northeastern areas and 200 – 300mm further west and in the Mallee. Rainfall is most regular in Gippsland and the Western District and as a result these areas are popular for farming.
Victoria’s highest recorded rainfall in a single day was 375 mm. This occurred in the Otway Ranges (Tanybryn) in 1983.
Image Courtesy of Chris RubberDragon, Flickr
Victoria by area:
To examine the rainfall in Victoria it is best to divide it into three areas:
– Inland areas
– North East High Country
– Coastal regions
Coastal Regions:
(Including Mildura, Ouyen, Swan Hill, Kergang, Beulah and surrounds)
Image Courtesy of Nicolò Bonazzi, Flickr
Tanks size considerations:
In the dryer western and inland regions rainfall is scarce and seasonal, so larger tanks are required to ensure residents can capitalise on all the available water. The tank sizes best for this area are from 22,500 litres to 46,400 litres. The 46, 400 litre tanks are also excellent for agricultural purposes and will help maximise the grazing efficiency and condition of the livestock.
Other water storage factors to consider:
• Ensure the entire roof is guttered to maximise water collection potential.
• Service and clean your tank regularly to ensure that your water is fit for household use.
• Adequate downpipes should be installed to ensure the water caught can be piped to the tank.
• Check pumps and pipes for leaks and ensure they are kept in good condition.
• Clean tank before the winter rainy season.
• If using your water tank as your main source of household water, you may require a pump. Generally a constant pressure unit is the best type of pump to install.
North East High Country:
Image Courtesy of David Burke, Flickr
Tanks size considerations:
This is an area with higher rainfall which is distributed evenly throughout the year. The most suitable tank sizes for this area range from 15, 000 to 30, 000 litres – depending on factors such roof area and rainfall.
Other water storage factors to consider:
• With the colder conditions in this area your pumps and pipe work should be protected to prevent freezing
• Regularly check all taps and pipes for leaks
• Install strainers, leaf guards (such as the Leaf Eater) and first flush devices to make sure the water coming into the tank is clean
• Install water-efficient taps and shower heads
• Stock water troughs should be checked to ensure they are not overflowing
Image Courtesy of Daniel D’Auria, Flickr
Tanks size considerations:
As the coastal region is a high rainfall area and the showers are often of higher intensity than in other areas, larger tanks are recommended to contain the additional rainfall. Usually between 30 000 and 50 000 litres.
Stormwater tanks are also required in built-up areas to slow the volume of water entering the drainage system during a high rainfall event.
Other water storage factors to consider:
• Gutters should be in good condition with filtration or leaf guards to stop leaves and other contaminants entering the tank.
• The strainer and leaf protection equipment should be cleaned regularly, particularly after a long dry period.
• Those with large roofs need to select the tank size big enough to meet the additional rainfall amounts captured as a result of the increased surface area. Speak to your consultant if you are unsure or if you require more information.
