1362.7 - Regional Statistics, Northern Territory, 2008 Reissue  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/10/2008  Reissue
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Contents >> Environment >> Climate

CLIMATE

The Northern Territory (NT) sits within two climatic zones: the wet/dry tropics in the north; and semi arid to arid areas in the south. In the north the 'wet season' runs from 1 October to 30 April, and the 'dry season' runs from 1 May to 30 September.

During the 2006-07 wet season, regions closer to the coast experienced above average rainfall, Darwin received 1864 mm of rainfall ( 1659 mm average) and Nhulunbuy 1341 mm ( 1298 mm average). Inland regions experienced below average rainfall during the same period, with Katherine receiving 1091 mm ( 1092 mm average), Tennant Creek 123 mm ( 434 mm average) and Alice Springs 68 mm ( 215 mm average).

Annual Rainfall: By Selected Regions - 2007
Graph: Annual Rainfall: By Selected Regions—2007


Humidity plays a significant role in the north of Australia. The comparatively stable temperatures are offset by fluctuations in relative humidity, which is highest during the wet season (peaking at 85% in Darwin and Katherine in March 2007). During the dry season, much lower monthly averages and extremes are recorded in Darwin, with relative humidity levels averaging between 35% and 70% between May and September.

Mean Annual Relative Humidity: By Selected Regions - 2007
Graph: Mean Annual Relative Humidity: By Selected Regions—2007








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