Recent changes in the diurnal temperature range over Australia

Abstract

Trends in maximum and minimum temperatures over Australia from 1951 to 1992 have been examined using data adjusted for inhomogeneities. The results, showing a decrease in the diurnal temperature range (DTR) over large areas of the Australian continent, confirm earlier findings and are consistent with trends over much of the global landmass. The trends are largely a consequence of the minimum temperatures increasing more than maximum temperatures. Decreases in the DTR were strongest over the northeastern interior of the continent and over a small ara of the southwest. While the recent changes in the DTR may be associated with increased cloudiness over the continent, further work is required to account for the observed regional differences.