Bitter Cold and Snow Came With Rain That Farmers Welcomed
Date
9 July 1879
Summary / Overview
On 9 July, Gladstone reported heavy rain, inundation and bitter cold; Hallett reported a slight fall of snow; and Yongala reported very cold weather followed by rain welcomed by farmers. A separate Burra weather summary included temperature statistics and 15 frosty nights; these should not be presented as measurements from 9 July itself.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
Documentary weather summary — Burra: 15 frosty nights; highest temperature 64°F / 17.8°C, lowest 38°F / 3.3°C, average 61°F / 16.1°C. These are report-period figures, not 9 July daily values.
Historical descriptions / observations
The South Australian Advertiser, 10 Jul 1879 — Gladstone: “The low land in the township is inundated. It is bitterly cold.”
The South Australian Advertiser, 10 Jul 1879 — Hallett: “…today there was a slight fall of snow.”
Burra Record, 11 Jul 1879 — Yongala: “we are now getting splendid rains. The formers are in high spirits.”
Source
The South Australian Advertiser, 10 Jul 1879; Burra Record, 11 Jul 1879; South Australian Register, 12 Jul 1879.