X-Originating-Ip: [203.55.196.237]
From: "Kevin Phyland" 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: Saturday storms in Mallee
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 16:14:28 PDT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Hi everyone,
Just a brief description of the storms that came through the north of 
the state on saturday.
First one kicked off about 1030 - LP, reasonably fast moving W --> E.
Mid-afternoon: much more vertical development, lots of cg lightning 
(including a bolt from an aerial 30 m. from me!). Still LP, high base.
Evening: much stronger cells. Still mostly LP but some 5mm to 10mm hail 
in one cell about 2000 hrs. No real gusts to report. Spectacular 
lightning however - what I would've given for a REAL camera! There 
followed a procession of cells (I'd estimate between eight to ten 
separate storms between 1800 and 2200!) Humidity level had increased all 
day. Temperatures in the low 30's by 1600. A number of cells seemed to 
converge and combine into larger ones (Is this common?) All the cells I 
observed moved basically W --> E. Cells seemed very crowded - could this 
affect an individual storm's capacity for development i.e. available 
convective potential energy? All activity had ceased by 2300.

Yours, Kevin Phyland. Wycheproof, Vic.

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wbc at ozemail.com.au (Laurier Williams)
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: DAR weatherwall and finicky browsers
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 23:42:35 GMT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by penman.es.mq.edu.au id JAA28738

Jane

What browser are you using. My Netscape Gold 3.01 locks after
downloading for some time -- possibly due to some inabilities it has
with Java.

On Sat, 17 Oct 1998 21:30:03 +1000, you wrote:

>For you out-of-towners, if you are interested in what's going on, check out
>the CSIRO Weather Wall in Aspendale (on the eastern side of the bay) - gives
>you a pretty good idea as to what's going on right this minutes - uploads
>every 30 seconds (be patient - takes a while to load initially).
>
>http://www.dar.csiro.au/dar/services/it/Java/wwall/wwall.html
>
>Jane
>Melbourne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul_Mossman at agd.nsw.gov.au
X-Lotus-Fromdomain: NSW_AG
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 09:56:53 +1000
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: DAR weatherwall and finicky browsers
Content-Disposition: inline
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com



Laurier, mine did as well.  I use Netscape Communicator V 4.06 and it locks
after some period of trying to load the bottom graph.

Paul from Taree.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wbc at ozemail.com.au (Laurier Williams)
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Best source os satellite images
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 00:04:00 GMT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by penman.es.mq.edu.au id KAA29670

On Sat, 17 Oct 1998 18:26:55 +1000, Nick wrote:

>What is the best source of up to dat satellite images on the web?
>
It depends on what you want, Nick. Infrared, visible or water vapour?
Long archives? Speedily updated? Quick to download?  There's an
enormous amount available and what is best for someone else may not be
best for you. If you work through the (pretty long!) list at
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/current_satellite.htm, you can make
some comparisons and settle on your best source.

Laurier Williams
Australian Weather Links and News
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jane ONeill" 
To: "Aussie Weather" 
Subject: aussie-weather: DAR Weather Wall
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 10:47:33 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

I'm currently using IE 4.0 but have also used Communicator 4.05 without a
problem.  The page does take a while to load, especially the bottom graph
and I believe the whole thing is written in Java.  I can understand Netscape
Gold locking up because of that.  They are also still trying to iron some of
the problems out - I couldn't even load it for about 3 monthsIdon't have the
answer but I'll have a chat to someone down there and see if I can get an
answer for you all.

Jane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul_Mossman at agd.nsw.gov.au
X-Lotus-Fromdomain: NSW_AG
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 10:49:38 +1000
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Best source os satellite images
Content-Disposition: inline
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com



Howdy all. Good news here is that they have revised our forecast (so the
radio says......) to Hot day, increasing cloud, afternoon storms!!
Ohh...music to my ears! Now lets hope that they eventuate!

Paul from Taree.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 10:56:22 +1000
From: Michael Scollay 
Organization: Telstra Strategy & Research
X-Accept-Language: en
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Sea Breeze
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

This "thread" about sea breezes adding to storm potential is most
interesting. I'd like to add a few more parameters into the
discussion. After all most of the MRF models operating today use more
than a few parameters and probably need a few more so I'd reckon that
the answer is just a little more complicated than whether sea-breezes
add to the storm potential or not:-)

A good mate of mine has more hours experience in gliders than sleep I
get in 2 years. With this level of experience you get a working
knowledge of what causes the updrafts necessary for a glider to stay
up in the air. The "sea breeze front" is a well known feature from the
Bathurst Soaring Club point-of-view. Many a glider has "ridden the
wave" of the most decent nor'-easters as it ascends the Blue
Mountains. Apparently, you can smell it in the air. So the effects of
this can be far reaching. Unfortunately, most gliders are on the
ground when severe updrafts are about with storms aloft but this only
occurs when the air becomes most unstable. This sea breeze front
generally keeps its influence primarily in the lower 3000m of the
atmosphere (700mb and higher). For gliding, there is usually a dry
nor'-wester present to keep storm potential under control.

As a source of condensation nuclei, the contributions of a Sydney
nor'-easter require more analysis. In general, there is probably a
case that dirty cities and salty sea breezes add a significant bounty
of condensation nuclei into the equation adding to severe
precipitation. I've actually taken samples of Sydney rain water and
distilled them to analyse the remains. The sample I had after a day of
sou'-easter rain contained about 23% NaCl, sulphur of 7%, various
carbon compounds adding to 45% (mostly ash), some complex organic
compounds including algae, a smidgeon of titanium (probably from
catalytic converters) and some good old dead El Coli (from bird shit).

Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wbc at ozemail.com.au (Laurier Williams)
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: Upper air data peculiarities
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 02:20:21 GMT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by penman.es.mq.edu.au id MAA00727

There was some talk last week about variations in the plotted data on
upper air diagrams for different stations in Australia -- specifically
Darwin. The variations stem from the different equipment in use at
different airports. The new WMO standard upper air procedures and code
insert a new standard level at 925hPa, and require wind data to be
transmitted with the upper temp and humitidy data. The Bureau follows
this procedure at some stations, but not at others, and still
transmits wind data separately to temp/humidity data, which causes
some international reprocessors of data to have problems, though the
Uni of Wyoming site seems to deal with all these problems
spectacularly well.

Back in February, I became concerned at the way the Bureau was mixing
old and new WMO codes in the same internationally-distributed
bulletins. Here's what I sent, and the reply I got which gives some
useful information about the upper air network.

Laurier Williams
Australian Weather News and Links
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>From me to Helen Pearce, BoM:

>Australian upper air TEMP bulletins currently carry observations in
>both the new standard code and the old one. Here is a fragment of
>today's 00z USAU04 bulletin:
>
>TTAA  52221 94711 99985 32074 03007 00127 ///// ///// 92822 28874
>35512 85565 22671 28504 70208 08461 27521 50589 09365 24525 40758
>20368 24533 30965 35970 23031 25088 46159 24047 20233 56966 22050
>15410 687// 23035 10653 697// 24028 88153 689// 22034 77999=
>TTAA  5222/ 94776 99014 26443 32004 00126 24036 85553 21066 70190
>06657 50586 11922 40753 23544 30957 39562 25079 48164 20224 56760
>15402 627// 10650 673// 88170 637//=
>TTAA  5222/ 94865 99016 16458 22011 00158 15057 85506 07077 70109
>07671 50580 09369 40750 20174 30955 36774 25079 46768 20224 56567
>15402 649// 10647 635// 88131 697//=
>TTAA  5222/ 94910 99991 24859 35001 00130 ///// 85539 18260 70169
>06228 50584 08974 40753 22368 30958 37569 25081 48365 20225 56768
>15403 671// 10649 651// 88141 697//=
>TTAA  52221 94975 99012 16063 30011 00125 14063 32012 92774 07657
>29014 85463 01021 26514 70043 03074 31020 50569 13163 28035 40735
>24569 27541 30938 40357 25558 25060 49959 25069 20203 55965 24079
>15384 59577 25547 10637 605// 29523 88177 58969 23577 77208 24582
>41310=
>
>94711 Cobar and 94975 Hobart are in the new format, which includes the
>925 pressure level and winds at all levels, whilst 94776 Williamtown,
>94865 Melbourne and 94910 Wagga are in the old format, with no 925
>pressure level and no winds.
>
>As you can understand, the mix of codes in the one bulletin, with a
>varying need to refer separately to the PILOT bulletin, causes some
>problems with plotting software and other computer handling of the
>reports. A quick search through global TEMP bulletins suggests that
>Australia, New Zealand and a few Pacific islands are the only places
>which have not switched to the new format.
>
>Can you advise when Australia will switch fully to the new format. If
>the transfer is to continue station by station, is there any schedule
>for the changeover that would help me manage the impact on software of
>irregular and unannounced changes? Also, is it planned to phase out
>PILOT bulletins once the changeover is effected?

Here's the reply

>Here are some rough notes on TEMP messages. As Laurier notes, I do 
>issue old and new code in the same bulletins. But this should not be 
>a problem. The old Australian TEMP code was/is a subset of the 
>international FM-35 code, and therefore anybody who could decode 
>international TEMP could also decode Australian TEMP.
>
>However if Laurier wrote a decoder to handle the old Australian TEMP 
>code only, he will now come to grief, as we are now issuing 
>international TEMP code bulletins which include some old code 
>reports. He will need to update his TEMP decoder the handle 
>international TEMP code. I do not intend to issue 2 bulletins, one 
>with new code reports and another with old code reports.
>
>Backgrond
>
>Autosonde/RWIND
>
>10 autosonde stations to be intalled over the next 3 years. As at Feb
>1998 3 are installed - Cobar, Learmonth  and Cocos Island. Next is
>Port Hedland in March followed by Meekatharra in May. Autosonde
>stations report in FM-35 TEMP code, with temps and winds in one
>message (i.e. no PILOT message)
>
>The rest of the upper air network will become RWIND, which is the
>Visaila PC-Cora system for generating combined temp/wind messages on
>site. Curently there are 3 RWIND stations - Hobart, Mildura and Mt
>Gambier. Laverton is next. The rest of the network will be installed
>over the next 12-18 months (or more).
>
>Because shears are not included in FM-35, and are required by the
>Regions, it is still necessary to issue PPBB messages from the
>autosonde/RWIND stations with the extra standard level winds required
>to calculate the shears. The plan is to eventually include these extra
>levels in Section 10, the National section, of FM35 TEMP. This could
>be done by software on site (modify the Visaila software, apparently
>difficult) or have AIFS do the work. Whatever, eventually, several
>years away, we will not require any PILOT messages. Also the
>autosonde/RWIND stations hav extra pressure levels, such as 925 hPa, 
>which are not included in the old radiosonde system.  
>
>Note that the 4 Antarctic stations are also PC-Cora equipped and 
>issue combined wind/temp FM-35 TEMP messages, but not FM-32 PPBB, as 
>shear information is not required from Antarctic stations.
>
>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Michael Thompson" 
To: 
Subject: aussie-weather: Current Wollongong Weather ( 1pm 19th )
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:10:40 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

No storms overnight, could even see the distant lightning that occurred NW
of Sydney.

Currently light rain since early morning, winds basically calm, fog on the
escarpment. Humidity at 72%
, and barometer slowly rising to 1008.

Michael Thompson
http://thunder.simplenet.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:13:31 +1000 (EST)
From: Paul Graham 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Sea Breeze
Reply-Receipt: pgraham1 at extro.ucc.su.oz.au
Reply-Read: pgraham1 at mail.usyd.edu.au
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

I found an interesting article by Ken Batt (NSW Severe Weather) on the
development of the sea breeze: 
http://www.bom.GOV.AU/info/wmd/olympic/batt.htm 
According to Ken, the storm cells may lead to the demise of a sea breeze
circulation.  I still think it is an interesting idea that a sea breeze
may help the intensification of a cell by enhancing low level backing
(anti-clockwise turning of the wind with height) or veering (clockwise
turning of the wind with height).  Perhaps with a favourable synoptic
scale flow this could happen - it would probably have to be quite a
significant sea breeze.
- Paul G. 

On Mon, 19 Oct 1998, Michael Scollay wrote:

> This "thread" about sea breezes adding to storm potential is most
> interesting. I'd like to add a few more parameters into the
> discussion. After all most of the MRF models operating today use more
> than a few parameters and probably need a few more so I'd reckon that
> the answer is just a little more complicated than whether sea-breezes
> add to the storm potential or not:-)
> 
> A good mate of mine has more hours experience in gliders than sleep I
> get in 2 years. With this level of experience you get a working
> knowledge of what causes the updrafts necessary for a glider to stay
> up in the air. The "sea breeze front" is a well known feature from the
> Bathurst Soaring Club point-of-view. Many a glider has "ridden the
> wave" of the most decent nor'-easters as it ascends the Blue
> Mountains. Apparently, you can smell it in the air. So the effects of
> this can be far reaching. Unfortunately, most gliders are on the
> ground when severe updrafts are about with storms aloft but this only
> occurs when the air becomes most unstable. This sea breeze front
> generally keeps its influence primarily in the lower 3000m of the
> atmosphere (700mb and higher). For gliding, there is usually a dry
> nor'-wester present to keep storm potential under control.
> 
> As a source of condensation nuclei, the contributions of a Sydney
> nor'-easter require more analysis. In general, there is probably a
> case that dirty cities and salty sea breezes add a significant bounty
> of condensation nuclei into the equation adding to severe
> precipitation. I've actually taken samples of Sydney rain water and
> distilled them to analyse the remains. The sample I had after a day of
> sou'-easter rain contained about 23% NaCl, sulphur of 7%, various
> carbon compounds adding to 45% (mostly ash), some complex organic
> compounds including algae, a smidgeon of titanium (probably from
> catalytic converters) and some good old dead El Coli (from bird shit).
> 
> Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 12:58:21 +1000 (EST)
From: Paul Graham 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Upper air data peculiarities
Reply-Receipt: pgraham1 at extro.ucc.su.oz.au
Reply-Read: pgraham1 at mail.usyd.edu.au
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Initially I thought it may have been that wind data was ommitted for
stations located in the tropics but I notice that some stations such as
Townsville and 94299 (Willis Is ?) have this data while others such as
Darwin and Gove don't.  I made a mistake in speculating that the reason
for its ommission was the location of the stations.  It would be quite
interesting to have this sort of data for the up coming cyclone season. -
Paul G. 

On Mon, 19 Oct 1998, Laurier Williams wrote:

> There was some talk last week about variations in the plotted data on
> upper air diagrams for different stations in Australia -- specifically
> Darwin. The variations stem from the different equipment in use at
> different airports. The new WMO standard upper air procedures and code
> insert a new standard level at 925hPa, and require wind data to be
> transmitted with the upper temp and humitidy data. The Bureau follows
> this procedure at some stations, but not at others, and still
> transmits wind data separately to temp/humidity data, which causes
> some international reprocessors of data to have problems, though the
> Uni of Wyoming site seems to deal with all these problems
> spectacularly well.
> 
> Back in February, I became concerned at the way the Bureau was mixing
> old and new WMO codes in the same internationally-distributed
> bulletins. Here's what I sent, and the reply I got which gives some
> useful information about the upper air network.
> 
> Laurier Williams
> Australian Weather News and Links
> http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> >From me to Helen Pearce, BoM:
> 
> >Australian upper air TEMP bulletins currently carry observations in
> >both the new standard code and the old one. Here is a fragment of
> >today's 00z USAU04 bulletin:
> >
> >TTAA  52221 94711 99985 32074 03007 00127 ///// ///// 92822 28874
> >35512 85565 22671 28504 70208 08461 27521 50589 09365 24525 40758
> >20368 24533 30965 35970 23031 25088 46159 24047 20233 56966 22050
> >15410 687// 23035 10653 697// 24028 88153 689// 22034 77999=
> >TTAA  5222/ 94776 99014 26443 32004 00126 24036 85553 21066 70190
> >06657 50586 11922 40753 23544 30957 39562 25079 48164 20224 56760
> >15402 627// 10650 673// 88170 637//=
> >TTAA  5222/ 94865 99016 16458 22011 00158 15057 85506 07077 70109
> >07671 50580 09369 40750 20174 30955 36774 25079 46768 20224 56567
> >15402 649// 10647 635// 88131 697//=
> >TTAA  5222/ 94910 99991 24859 35001 00130 ///// 85539 18260 70169
> >06228 50584 08974 40753 22368 30958 37569 25081 48365 20225 56768
> >15403 671// 10649 651// 88141 697//=
> >TTAA  52221 94975 99012 16063 30011 00125 14063 32012 92774 07657
> >29014 85463 01021 26514 70043 03074 31020 50569 13163 28035 40735
> >24569 27541 30938 40357 25558 25060 49959 25069 20203 55965 24079
> >15384 59577 25547 10637 605// 29523 88177 58969 23577 77208 24582
> >41310=
> >
> >94711 Cobar and 94975 Hobart are in the new format, which includes the
> >925 pressure level and winds at all levels, whilst 94776 Williamtown,
> >94865 Melbourne and 94910 Wagga are in the old format, with no 925
> >pressure level and no winds.
> >
> >As you can understand, the mix of codes in the one bulletin, with a
> >varying need to refer separately to the PILOT bulletin, causes some
> >problems with plotting software and other computer handling of the
> >reports. A quick search through global TEMP bulletins suggests that
> >Australia, New Zealand and a few Pacific islands are the only places
> >which have not switched to the new format.
> >
> >Can you advise when Australia will switch fully to the new format. If
> >the transfer is to continue station by station, is there any schedule
> >for the changeover that would help me manage the impact on software of
> >irregular and unannounced changes? Also, is it planned to phase out
> >PILOT bulletins once the changeover is effected?
> 
> Here's the reply
> 
> >Here are some rough notes on TEMP messages. As Laurier notes, I do 
> >issue old and new code in the same bulletins. But this should not be 
> >a problem. The old Australian TEMP code was/is a subset of the 
> >international FM-35 code, and therefore anybody who could decode 
> >international TEMP could also decode Australian TEMP.
> >
> >However if Laurier wrote a decoder to handle the old Australian TEMP 
> >code only, he will now come to grief, as we are now issuing 
> >international TEMP code bulletins which include some old code 
> >reports. He will need to update his TEMP decoder the handle 
> >international TEMP code. I do not intend to issue 2 bulletins, one 
> >with new code reports and another with old code reports.
> >
> >Backgrond
> >
> >Autosonde/RWIND
> >
> >10 autosonde stations to be intalled over the next 3 years. As at Feb
> >1998 3 are installed - Cobar, Learmonth  and Cocos Island. Next is
> >Port Hedland in March followed by Meekatharra in May. Autosonde
> >stations report in FM-35 TEMP code, with temps and winds in one
> >message (i.e. no PILOT message)
> >
> >The rest of the upper air network will become RWIND, which is the
> >Visaila PC-Cora system for generating combined temp/wind messages on
> >site. Curently there are 3 RWIND stations - Hobart, Mildura and Mt
> >Gambier. Laverton is next. The rest of the network will be installed
> >over the next 12-18 months (or more).
> >
> >Because shears are not included in FM-35, and are required by the
> >Regions, it is still necessary to issue PPBB messages from the
> >autosonde/RWIND stations with the extra standard level winds required
> >to calculate the shears. The plan is to eventually include these extra
> >levels in Section 10, the National section, of FM35 TEMP. This could
> >be done by software on site (modify the Visaila software, apparently
> >difficult) or have AIFS do the work. Whatever, eventually, several
> >years away, we will not require any PILOT messages. Also the
> >autosonde/RWIND stations hav extra pressure levels, such as 925 hPa, 
> >which are not included in the old radiosonde system.  
> >
> >Note that the 4 Antarctic stations are also PC-Cora equipped and 
> >issue combined wind/temp FM-35 TEMP messages, but not FM-32 PPBB, as 
> >shear information is not required from Antarctic stations.
> >

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 12:54:23 +1000
From: Greg Browning 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: Belated Melbourne observations
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Hi all, Greg from Melbourne here with a few observations that don't seem
to have been mentioned at this stage.  Firstly, not having much faith in
Melb's propensity for storm development, I headed to the NE highlands
(around  Mt. Buffalo).  This was a major disappointment, even if the
scenery was magnificent. While the reports from Melb. were of the  CBD
and surrounds being treated to a nice display of mainly cloud-cloud
lightning,  the NE produced only distant c-c lightning with only 2
thunderclaps heard.  However, friends in Hopper's Crossing (~20 km SW of
Melb) did report "grape-sized" hail which fell for 2-3 mins.,  as well
as some good cloud-ground lightning

Another failed storm-chase, but all is not sour grapes.  Today (Mon
18th), has forecast of possible hail/thunder.  I may head somewhat south
of Melb. today depending on conditions- if I do I'm sure the storms will
avoid me,  and so my fellow Melbournians can expect the storms to centre
directly on Melb.!

Here's hoping someone gets lucky,
                                      Greg Browning

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Blair Trewin 
Subject: aussie-weather: Update: high diurnal ranges
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com (Aussie Weather)
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 12:36:52 +1000 (EST)
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Further to my mail of Friday, I've done a quickish scan of
the Bureau's database for diurnal temperature ranges over 35 C and
found none whose accuracy I was satisfied of. (I found a lot
whose accuracy was highly suspect! - presumably that's why I've 
been hired to do something about data quality :-)).

Observations I've found include a 33.3 (38.3/3.0), which seems OK,
from Bridgetown WA (a well-known frost pocket) on 17/2/1957, and
two which are unverifiable because of a lack of comparison data -
33.9 (37.8/3.9) at Bridgetown on 11/12/1912, and 34.5 (39.1/4.6) from
Esperance Downs on 2/1/1953.

I plan to look into this area further, and to try to confirm the
exact Ceduna observations.

Blair Trewin
Data Management, National Climate Centre/School of Earth Sciences,
University of Melbourne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 12:13:35 +1000
From: Michael Scollay 
Organization: Telstra Strategy & Research
X-Accept-Language: en
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: DAR Weather Wall
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Jane ONeill wrote:
> 
> I'm currently using IE 4.0 but have also used Communicator 4.05 without a
> problem.  The page does take a while to load, especially the bottom graph
> and I believe the whole thing is written in Java.  I can understand Netscape
> Gold locking up because of that.  They are also still trying to iron some of
> the problems out - I couldn't even load it for about 3 monthsIdon't have the
> answer but I'll have a chat to someone down there and see if I can get an
> answer for you all.
> 
Thanks Jane,

- Most hopeful answer -

Maybe the site is sometimes working, sometimes not:-)

- Soap box and most probable answer -

I've got the most up-to-date NetScape running on the planet and this
page just turns up blank:-( What I suspect is broken Java. For those
who don't understand, Bill Gates, using his eternal market wisdom
decided that it would be good to try and dominate the Java world also
by adding some propriatary extensions to the libraries. Well this
destroys Java's claim to "Write Once Run Anywhere", meaning that Bill
had no right whatsoever to place a "100% Java Compatible" logo on his
products thus resulting in a severe breech of Java license conditions.
Resolving all this is currently taking up some time in the US legal
system since a class action has been taken out by Sun MicroSystems and
others including IBM. It's basically MicroSoft v/s TheRestOfTheWorld
where MicroSoft will lose, eventually. If it turns out anything like
that bundling of IE4.0 v/s NetScape legal debacle last year any
"charges" thus levied at Mr. Gates won't even dent his petty cash tin.
In the meantime, you'll find some sites running Java built under
MS-Windows 32-bit versions of Java that may not work well in any other
browser other than MS-Internet Explorer V4.0. It's the blatant
arrogance of Bill Gates and his company that will ensure eventually
that this tall poppy will be trimmed down to a more manageable size.
Just remember how quickly he pulled out of trying to dominate the
internet with the MicroSoft Network. The internet simply cannot be
dominated and let's ensure that it stays that way.

- Ends -

Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:28:46 +1000
From: Michael Scollay 
Organization: Telstra Strategy & Research
X-Accept-Language: en
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: Real-time AWS data
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Laurier Williams wrote:
> 
> The automatic weather station network is sending in a stream of SPECIs
> triggered by strong winds this morning.
> 
> Some of the higher gusts since 3am have been Braidwood 56 knots
> (104km/h) at 7am, Bega the same speed at 6am with a temperature of
> 28.2 (!), 60 (111) at Cape Grim at 6am, and 65 (120) at Thredbo at
> 4.47am. Many places across all three states reporting sustained speeds
> of 30 knots + and gusts 40+. Here at Blackheath right now (11.45am
> EST) I'd estimate 30 gusting 45.
[snip]

Laurier,

How does one get AWS data from other sites (see above) in near-real
time other than from the BoM Olympic site for Sydney & environs
near-real-time. Perhaps it's on your page, but I can't find it.

Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul_Mossman at agd.nsw.gov.au
X-Lotus-Fromdomain: NSW_AG
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 14:41:47 +1000
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Current Taree obs.
Content-Disposition: inline
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com



Howdy all. Warm here in Taree, current temp 28c, some high cloud around. Is
anyone aware of any warnings issued by the BOM yet? Any activity on
satpics? reason I ask is that I sit here blind, without access to the
net.....which is annoying! Let me know if something does arise! Thanx.

Paul from Taree.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jane ONeill" 
To: "Aussie Weather" 
Subject: aussie-weather: Current Melbourne conditions
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 14:58:30 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Currently, damn cold as you can see.  They're forecasting local hail, but
we've only had a couple of heavy showers so far.  May be some thunder later
on, and possibly a sprinkle of snow on the surrounding hills (6.5 on Mt
Dandenong at present).


Melbourne Airport
YMML METARAWS YMML 0430Z 27016G22KT 9999 -RA 5CU040 4SC050 09.5/06.6
Q1007.2 RMK RF00.2/001.2 CLD:BKN039 BKN050 VIS:9999      TTF:INTER 0430/0730
MAX45KT 4000 +SHRA GR BKN012

Melbourne City
YMMB METARAWS YMMB 0430Z 24014G20KT //// 11.6/06.8
Q1006.9 RMK      RF00.0/000.6

Laverton (SW of Melbourne)
YLVT SPECIAWS YLVT 0420Z 26016G29KT 9999 -SHRA
5CU030 7SC050 11.6/05.3      Q1006.9 RMK RF00.4/000.4

Jane
Melbourne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Blair Trewin 
Subject: aussie-weather: SA records on Saturday
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com (Aussie Weather)
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 15:08:22 +1000 (EST)
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

I've found the following October records so far from SA on
Saturday:

Nonning		40.8 (previously 40.0)
Port Augusta	42.6 (previously 40.3 - 3 sites)
Whyalla		42.1 (previously 41.8 - 2 sites)
Woomera		42 (to nearest degree) (previously 41.2)

I haven't checked NSW or Vic yet, although the NSW heat seemed to
be concentrated in the Sydney region, where records were narrowly
missed (by a degree or so in Sydney itself).

Blair Trewin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

X-Sender: bayns at nornet.nor.com.au
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 15:45:39 +1000
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
From: steve baynham 
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

its very strong northerly here on the gold coast this arvo. clear skies,
not  a cloud in sight as was the past week. a question - how do you link
url sites on my emails so that yous just click on the blue writing? am very
curious, wouldn't have the foggiest!
steve

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jane ONeill" 
To: "Aussie Weather" 
Subject: aussie-weather: URL's
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:01:34 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Steve,

Just copy the URL from the address (ie: highlight it and hit 'CtrlC') and
then paste it into your email ('CtrlV').  It'll turn into a URL as you do
it.

Jane
Melbourne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul_Mossman at agd.nsw.gov.au
X-Lotus-Fromdomain: NSW_AG
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:05:16 +1000
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: URL's
Content-Disposition: inline
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com



Steve - or you can just type the address in the email, and it will
automatically convert it.
Paul.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wbc at ozemail.com.au (Laurier Williams)
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: SA records on Saturday
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 06:32:11 GMT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by penman.es.mq.edu.au id QAA09846

On Mon, 19 Oct 1998 15:08:22 +1000 (EST), Blair wrote:

>I've found the following October records so far from SA on
>Saturday:
>
>Nonning		40.8 (previously 40.0)
>Port Augusta	42.6 (previously 40.3 - 3 sites)
>Whyalla		42.1 (previously 41.8 - 2 sites)
>Woomera		42 (to nearest degree) (previously 41.2)
>
>I haven't checked NSW or Vic yet, although the NSW heat seemed to
>be concentrated in the Sydney region, where records were narrowly
>missed (by a degree or so in Sydney itself).
>
Hi Blair and everyone

I'd just finished doing an article for Australian Weather News on this
when I d/l this email. On my records (really the Bureau's, but my
sorting :-) ), add Lameroo SA  39.0 (previously 38.3 over 41 years of
computerised records) and Walpeup Vic 38.6 (38.5 over 28 years). I
hadn't picked up Port Augusta, where there's been a pretty significant
site change from the Power Station (right beside the Gulf) to the
airport (southwest of town, and a few km inland). Whyalla Airport (the
AWS) got 42.1, but the town (Norrie) got 42.0, and is the site where
the previous 41.8 was recorded, I think.

Kyancutta's certainly been in the weather news -- a temp range of 33.7
on the 16th (4.5 to 38.2), then a min of 22.5 on the 17th, 14.2 above
normal, followed by a max of 39.3.  

Laurier Williams
Australian Weather Links and News
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/

-- 
Laurier Williams
Australian Weather Links and News
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wbc at ozemail.com.au (Laurier Williams)
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Real-time AWS data
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 06:32:31 GMT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by penman.es.mq.edu.au id QAA09860

On Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:28:46 +1000, Michael Scollay wrote:

>Laurier,
>
>How does one get AWS data from other sites (see above) in near-real
>time other than from the BoM Olympic site for Sydney & environs
>near-real-time. Perhaps it's on your page, but I can't find it.
>
Hi Michael.

Getting full AWS data, sadly, isn't easy or inexpensive. I have a
landline connection to the Bureau's CMSS (Computer Message Switching
System) which delivers the full realtime Australian synoptic, upper
air, and AWS hourly/half-hourly observations, plus a lot of other
useful stuff, into my computer. All this comes in code, and I've
written tens of thousands of lines of programs to decode it, store it
into archive files, extract relevant data (e.g. extremes, or data
matching/exceeding certain criteria), and fax it to me, wherever I
might be. All this costs several thousand $$$. It's the extremes and
exception reports I use each day to write up Australian Weather News.
Hopefully, as my programming comes to terms with the Net, and
depending on Bureau copyright restrictions, I hope to get some of this
stuff on the Net in real time.

The easy alternatives:

1. The Bureau's state observation pages (the ones with "test" still
required for id and password, but soon to cost $100 p.a.) carry the
latest AWS obs, mixed in with the latest 3-hourly synoptic obs --
messy but at least they're there. The link for these is item 1 on my
Current Australian Weather --> Information and Data page.

2. The latest complete set of AWS data, in METAR code, is at the URL
listed at item 5 on the same page. There's a link there to a METAR
decoder, too, though METAR code is pretty easy to understand.

3. Other states have been kinder, and there is AWS data for a very
variable selection of stations in plain language at item 4. 

4. There are various US sources that carry decoded METAR data -- they
are listed at items 2, 6 and 7. There are also the neat meteograms
from Uni of Wyoming (God bless them!) which give the last 24 hours of
data in graphical form for Australian capital cities and a few other
places -- follow the links from my index page to Current Australian
Weather, Charts and Graphics, and go to item 1 in the Miscellaneous
Graphics section at the bottom. Unfortunately, *very* little AWS data,
apart from the 3-hourly synoptic reports, goes out of Australia --
only one international bulletin of METARS is sent out hourly, making
Australian international aviation weather data exchange amongst the
worst in the world. To verify this, go to the US NWS site at
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/weather/ccworld.html, which relies solely on
international exchange METAR (aviation) data, and check out a few
other countries.
 
Laurier Williams 
Australian Weather Links and News
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/


-- 
Laurier Williams
Australian Weather Links and News
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jimmy Deguara" 
To: 
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: DAR weatherwall and finicky browsers
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:35:28 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Laurier, download or get hold of the latest Netscape Gold version 4+
Jimmy
-----Original Message-----
From: Laurier Williams 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com 
Date: Monday, October 19, 1998 9:43 AM
Subject: aussie-weather: DAR weatherwall and finicky browsers


Jane

What browser are you using. My Netscape Gold 3.01 locks after
downloading for some time -- possibly due to some inabilities it has
with Java.

On Sat, 17 Oct 1998 21:30:03 +1000, you wrote:

>For you out-of-towners, if you are interested in what's going on, check out
>the CSIRO Weather Wall in Aspendale (on the eastern side of the bay) -
gives
>you a pretty good idea as to what's going on right this minutes - uploads
>every 30 seconds (be patient - takes a while to load initially).
>
>http://www.dar.csiro.au/dar/services/it/Java/wwall/wwall.html
>
>Jane
>Melbourne
>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Nick Sykes" 
To: "aussie-weather" 
Subject: aussie-weather: Weekend Trough - any thoughts?
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:50:52 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

The latest charts have a trough forming over eastern Australian on the
weekend, dragging down warm, humid air from the north, any thoughts on
severe weather creating potential?

Nick

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jimmy Deguara" 
To: 
Subject: aussie-weather: Re: 
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:50:06 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

What type of e-mail program are you using?? It should do it automatically as
you can see.

However, if you are talking about signature, try that. I have a file in
stationery (Microsoft Outlook Express) and this file has the details. I have
noticed that I needn't have done this. I could have type the message in a
message box.

Jimmy
-----Original Message-----
From: steve baynham 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com 
Date: Monday, October 19, 1998 3:46 PM


>its very strong northerly here on the gold coast this arvo. clear skies,
>not  a cloud in sight as was the past week. a question - how do you link
>url sites on my emails so that yous just click on the blue writing? am very
>curious, wouldn't have the foggiest!
>steve

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

X-Sender: bayns at nornet.nor.com.au
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:57:24 +1000
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
From: steve baynham 
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

thanx jane and paul, will try it now. have tried cutting and pasting b4 but
don't think it worked:(
http://www.angelfire.com/ok/gany/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "dpn" 
To: 
Subject: aussie-weather: Melbourne Weather update
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:50:55 +1100
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

4.45pm Temp 10.7c in Kilsyth. front moved through early afternoon Its been
cold and showery since. on way home from work Mulgrave to Kilsyth drove
through heavy rain and some brief hail saw 3 or 4 cg lightning flashes
towards the southern end of the Dandenongs about 3.15pm,  Dane Newman.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 16:56:22 +1000
From: Michael Scollay 
Organization: Telstra Strategy & Research
X-Accept-Language: en
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Real-time AWS data
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Laurier Williams wrote:
> 
> On Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:28:46 +1000, Michael Scollay wrote:
> 
> >Laurier,
> >
> >How does one get AWS data from other sites (see above) in near-real
> >time other than from the BoM Olympic site for Sydney & environs
> >near-real-time. Perhaps it's on your page, but I can't find it.
> >
> Hi Michael.
> 
> Getting full AWS data, sadly, isn't easy or inexpensive...
[snip]

Thanks Laurier! A wealth of info as usual which I will follow up with
due cause. You helped me out with some terminology that, had I
realised it previously, would have saved me having to send the above
Email:-)

Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:01:26 +1000
From: Michael Scollay 
Organization: Telstra Strategy & Research
X-Accept-Language: en
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: URL's
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Jane ONeill wrote:
> 
> Steve,
> 
> Just copy the URL from the address (ie: highlight it and hit 'CtrlC') and
> then paste it into your email ('CtrlV').  It'll turn into a URL as you do
> it.

With NetScape Mail, it all happens automagically. If it's an in-line
attachment, the URL is accessed and the result then pasted into your
mail. If it's highlighted, you just click on it to swing Navigator
into action. Wullah!

Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:25:10 +1000
From: Michael Scollay 
Organization: Telstra Strategy & Research
X-Accept-Language: en
To: Aussie Weather 
Subject: aussie-weather: Snow in NSW
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

It's been snowing in Blue Cow all day (check webcam) and doesn't look
like letting up from my spies in Perisher Valley - they're snowed in
now.
 
Michael Scollay       mailto:michael.scollay at telstra.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:39:23 +1000 (EST)
From: Paul Graham 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Real-time AWS data
Reply-Receipt: pgraham1 at extro.ucc.su.oz.au
Reply-Read: pgraham1 at mail.usyd.edu.au
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Don't forget the Macquarie Uni. AWS (northern Sydney) which has a web
interface that allows you to obtain the latest data in graphical form: 
http://atmos.es.mq.edu.au/aws/aws2
- Paul G.

> On Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:28:46 +1000, Michael Scollay wrote:
> 
> >Laurier,
> >
> >How does one get AWS data from other sites (see above) in near-real
> >time other than from the BoM Olympic site for Sydney & environs
> >near-real-time. Perhaps it's on your page, but I can't find it.
> >

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: paulmoss at tpgi.com.au
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 18:38:49 +1000
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: Outlook for weekend...........
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Maybe this might be the weekend we East Coasters are looking
for.....this forecast for friday for Mid & North Coast:

"MID NORTH COAST
Tonight
Rain areas easing in south. Chance of isolated thunderstorms this
evening.
Milder southwest to south wind.

Friday   
Warm. Chance of afternoon storm. W/SW winds.

Lets all hope...........its about the only thing we can do! Even
Northern Australia has gone quiet Maybe something is brewing?

Paul from Taree.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

X-Sender: jacob at iinet.net.au
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:39:48 +0800
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
From: Jacob 
Subject: aussie-weather: Live weather chat via web
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com


Hi all,

It's now possible to get on the undernet #weather channel via the web, just
go to the page I made up to get there.

The page is:

http://www.iinet.net.au/~jacob/chat.html

It's still better to use mIRC or any other proper IRC client, but this is a
good way to get on it if you are unable to use mIRC for some reason.

Try it out if you want.

Jacob

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jane ONeill" 
To: 
Subject: RE: aussie-weather: Live weather chat via web
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 20:21:13 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4
Importance: Normal
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Brilliant idea - easy to get to.  I'll try to be there 

Jane

>Hi all,
>
>It's now possible to get on the undernet #weather channel via the web, just
>go to the page I made up to get there.
>
>The page is:
>
>http://www.iinet.net.au/~jacob/chat.html
>
>It's still better to use mIRC or any other proper IRC client, but this is a
>good way to get on it if you are unable to use mIRC for some reason.
>
>Try it out if you want.
>
>Jacob

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jane ONeill" 
To: "Aussie Weather" 
Subject: aussie-weather: Hail in Melbourne
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 21:25:04 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4
Importance: Normal
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

It's hailing in Bayswater!!  10.6 degrees

Jane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: paulmoss at tpgi.com.au
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 21:29:35 +1000
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Hail in Melbourne
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Wow....you go girl! Lucky you....its warm and boring here!

Make the most of it! Paul

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Michael Thompson" 
To: 
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Outlook for weekend...........
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 22:52:16 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

>Friday
>Warm. Chance of afternoon storm. W/SW winds.
>
I do not like those winds, could spell another NW/SE aligned trough, these
just drag down dry air from the interior. We really need to get some Indian
Ocean influence going again, it seemed to disappear back in early September.

Michael

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wbc at ozemail.com.au (Laurier Williams)
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: aussie-weather: Heavy rain across central NSW
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 12:57:51 GMT
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by penman.es.mq.edu.au id WAA02177

I've just looked at the 9pm synops, and there's been some heavy rain
from the Hunter west, though with not a single report of a
thunderstorm (but many of the obs are from AWS). In 6 hours to 9pm
Coonamble AP had 17mm, Coonabarabran 33, Murrurundi 32, Cessnock AP
and Williantown 22, Newcastle Nobbies 19. Taree had 0.4, all in the
hour 8 to 9, and nil at points further north. Down south, Wilsons Prom
still reporting WSW at average 40 knots, and the temperature on top of
Mt Wellington behind Hobart -3.7 with a 37knot WSW wind. The Tassie
forecast has snow down to the 500m level.


-- 
Laurier Williams
Australian Weather Links and News
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~wbc/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 23:10:37 +1000 (EST)
From: Paul Graham 
To: Aussie Weather 
Subject: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...
Reply-Receipt: pgraham1 at extro.ucc.su.oz.au
Reply-Read: pgraham1 at mail.usyd.edu.au
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

On Sunday in the Blue Mnts. west of Sydney a bushfire probably sparked by
a routine burn-off destroyed >250 hectares of bushland and threatened
people's homes (ABC report).  I heard on tonight's news that the NSW rural
fireservice, having been blamed, has passed on the blame to the Bureau of
Meteorology for not accurately forecasting the potential hazard.  I guess
there will always be someone who has to get the blame...
- Paul G.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "James Chambers" 
To: 
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 23:16:25 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

As soon as I heard a burn off was responsible for an out of control
bushfire, I thought - why the hell would anyone light a fire with low
humidity and high temps?  Even those at the time who lit the fire must've
thought that it seemed strange considering the conditions...

James from Bris

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Graham 
To: Aussie Weather 
Date: Monday, 19 October 1998 23:11
Subject: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...


>On Sunday in the Blue Mnts. west of Sydney a bushfire probably sparked by
>a routine burn-off destroyed >250 hectares of bushland and threatened
>people's homes (ABC report).  I heard on tonight's news that the NSW rural
>fireservice, having been blamed, has passed on the blame to the Bureau of
>Meteorology for not accurately forecasting the potential hazard.  I guess
>there will always be someone who has to get the blame...
>- Paul G.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 23:24:03 +1000 (EST)
From: Paul Graham 
To: aussie-weather at world.std.com
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...
Reply-Receipt: pgraham1 at extro.ucc.su.oz.au
Reply-Read: pgraham1 at mail.usyd.edu.au
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

I would have thought so too - it surprises me that something was not done
on Saturday when hot NW winds were forecast.
- Paul G.

On Mon, 19 Oct 1998, James Chambers wrote:

> As soon as I heard a burn off was responsible for an out of control
> bushfire, I thought - why the hell would anyone light a fire with low
> humidity and high temps?  Even those at the time who lit the fire must've
> thought that it seemed strange considering the conditions...
> 
> James from Bris
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Graham 
> To: Aussie Weather 
> Date: Monday, 19 October 1998 23:11
> Subject: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...
> 
> 
> >On Sunday in the Blue Mnts. west of Sydney a bushfire probably sparked by
> >a routine burn-off destroyed >250 hectares of bushland and threatened
> >people's homes (ABC report).  I heard on tonight's news that the NSW rural
> >fireservice, having been blamed, has passed on the blame to the Bureau of
> >Meteorology for not accurately forecasting the potential hazard.  I guess
> >there will always be someone who has to get the blame...
> >- Paul G.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "James Chambers" 
To: 
Subject: Re: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 23:44:36 +1000
X-Msmail-Priority: Normal
X-Mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Sender: aussie-weather-approval at world.std.com
Reply-To: aussie-weather at world.std.com

Do you know if a Total Fire Ban was in force when the 'controlled burn-off'
was started? I know one was issued but I wasn't sure when.

- James

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Graham 
To: Aussie Weather 
Date: Monday, 19 October 1998 23:11
Subject: aussie-weather: Sunday's Bushfires...


>On Sunday in the Blue Mnts. west of Sydney a bushfire probably sparked by
>a routine burn-off destroyed >250 hectares of bushland and threatened
>people's homes (ABC report).  I heard on tonight's news that the NSW rural
>fireservice, having been blamed, has passed on the blame to the Bureau of
>Meteorology for not accurately forecasting the potential hazard.  I guess
>there will always be someone who has to get the blame...
>- Paul G.