Topic: Temperature differences between Richmond and Penrith : is there?

[Jimmy Deguara]

Hi,

One thing I have noted since the Penrith site was moved to automatic to the current one near Penrith Lakes is the vast difference in temperature since this move. Temperatures in winter are singinifcantly warmer than Richmond and summer temperatures are warmer as well. This to me even at a guess in my opinion is not representative of Penrith but more representative of Penrith Lakes and should be called that. It is a valley just like Richmond similar elevation and should experience similar conditions most of the time. Well you would not think so this morning 16th July 2007:

Location
Penrith    16/07:35am   1.4   -0.4    1.3    0.1 05:58am
Richmond 16/07:34am -1.9   -4.2   -2.2   -2.9 06:16am

There is pratically a 3 degree difference in temperature once again quite significantand very similar timing as well.

[Michael Bath]

Do you know what is surrounding each of the AWS ?   Do both have large areas of grass around them or other vegetation and structures? It is surprising they are so different given the elevation is about the same.

[Jimmy Deguara]

Michael,

My point is that the location of the site was meant for the Olympics not representative of the region. How many people live nearer the lake.

I can always accept that air descending from the mountains on particular situations can affect temperatures in various parts of Sydney. But not all the time. And they should not call this Penrith - it is Castelreagh one and also should be renamed perhaps Penrith Lakes to indicate its location.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara

[Jimmy Deguara]

Again this morning Tuesday - Penrith with -1 and a chilly -3.5 so far at Richmond - still a significant difference.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara

[Michael Bath]

Yes - I understand the point of it not being really Penrith - but also interested to know why the temps are so different from similar sites - any clues ?

The BoM name it "Penrith Lakes AWS" on the obs
http://www.BoM.GOV.AU/products/IDN60801/IDN60801.94763.shtml

MB

[Jimmy Deguara]

Yes - I understand the point of it not being really Penrith - but also interested to know why the temps are so different from similar sites - any clues ?

Good question Michael - I guess the lake must have some effect but I cannot assume this given I don't know the location of the automatic weather station.

I am quite concerned though as much by the 1 to 2 degree difference during summer but that is another story we can make comparisions later.

As to the name of the station, how misleading (deliberate or not) is the main heading "Penrith".

Whilst on this topic - Badgerys Creek reported -3.5 this morning also which wis consistent with -3.4 for Richmond.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara