Near-record June cold, severe frosts and rain affect South Australia, with agricultural damage and a fatal exposure
Date
9 June 1908
Summary / Overview
An intense cold spell affected South Australia on 8–9 June 1908 following around two weeks of severe frosts in some agricultural districts. Adelaide recorded a maximum of only 49°F (9.4°C), described as almost record-breaking, accompanied by very cold northerly winds. Frost caused significant damage to wheat, pasture and other vegetation around Burra and Quorn, turning previously green countryside yellow and placing crops under stress. Rain subsequently reached parts of the state, including Quorn, where 36 points were recorded and welcomed by farmers. The severe conditions also had a human toll: a 10-year-old boy who became lost in the Kadina/Wallaroo district died from exposure during a bitterly cold and wet night.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
Adelaide, 8/9 Jun: maximum shade 49.0°F (9.4°C); solar thermometer maximum 53.0°F (11.7°C). Contemporary comparison identified only three colder Adelaide days since Observatory records began: 23 Jul 1879 – 47.2°F (8.4°C); 10 Jul 1882 – 48.0°F (8.9°C); 23 Jun 1904 – 48.0°F (8.9°C).
Quorn, 9 Jun: 36 points (~9.1 mm) of rain reported following approximately two weeks of severe frosts.
Historical descriptions / observations
The Advertiser (Adelaide) Wed 10 Jun 1908: ‘…on Monday [8 June] cloudy weather developed generally over South Australia, with very cold and dusty northerly winds at Adelaide in the early part of the afternoon… The maximum shade temperature at the Observatory was only 49 deg…. Truro, June 9. …the weather is exceedingly cold…Quorn, June 9. Magnificent rain fell last night and continued steadily till tonight, 36 points being recorded. Although the rain was light it will do an immense amount of good, as it was badly wanted after the severe frosts of the past two weeks because the herbage and wheat were feeling the strain.’
The Kadina and Wallaroo Times Wed 10 Jun 1908: ‘A little boy, aged 10 years, named Frank McInerney…died in sad circumstances on Tuesday morning [9 June]… The little chap evidently did not wander far; for his body was found within half a mile from where he was missed. The night was bitterly cold and wet and death was due to exposure’.
The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide) Wed 10 Jun 1908: ‘A cold wintry day was experienced at Adelaide yesterday, the maximum (49.0) being almost a record. There have been only three colder days since the Observatory records started, namely, 47.2 on July 23 1879; 48.0 on July 10. 1882; and 48.0 on June 23, 1904. The solar thermometer on Tuesday did not rise higher than 53.0.’
Burra Record Wed 10 Jun 1908: ‘Up to within a day or two ago the country looked very nice; grass and wheat crops making vigorous growth, but the frosts experienced during the’ past week have played havoc, and the green appearance of the country has, in several places, been transformed into one of a yellowish color. Still, there is every hope yet of the turn of the tide, and with a good downpour of rain within the next few days things will be brought back to a pleasing sight.
Source
23000