Severe August cold spell brings heavy snow, frost, rain and damaging winds across South Australia
Date
16 August 1900
Summary / Overview
A severe winter cold spell affected South Australia from 13–16 August 1900, with maximum temperatures remaining at or below 13°C throughout the period. Adelaide recorded maximum shade temperatures of only 13.3°C on 14 August and 12.9°C on 15 August. Severe frosts around Bendleby checked the growth of wheat and pasture. On 16 August, heavy snow fell across parts of the Adelaide Hills, accumulating several inches deep in sheltered locations around Aldgate and Stirling West and disrupting outdoor work. Heavy rain, sleet, strong winds and bitter cold accompanied the snow and caused damage to gardens. Snow was also reported farther north between Ucolta and Petersburg, described as the first significant fall there since 1896. Contemporary reports characterised the conditions in the Adelaide Hills as among the most severe winter weather experienced in around 15 years.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
13–16 Aug: no daily maximum temperature above 13°C.
Adelaide Observatory, 14 Aug: maximum 56.0°F (13.3°C) shade; 112.3°F (44.6°C) sun. 15 Aug: maximum 55.2°F (12.9°C) shade; 82.0°F (27.8°C) sun.
16 Aug: rainfall reported at 0.71 in. (~18 mm) at the location described in the Evening Journal report.
Adelaide Hills: snow accumulated several inches deep in some locations
Historical descriptions / observations
The Advertiser (Adelaide) Wed 15 Aug 1900: ‘The maximum readings of the thermometer at the Adelaide Observatory on Tuesday were in the shade, 56. 0°; in the sun, 112.3’
South Australian Register Wed 15 Aug 1900: ‘Bendleby August 13— We have had several severe frosts, which have checked the growth of wheat and feed…’
The Advertiser (Adelaide) Thu 16 Aug 1900: ‘Wednesday, August 15. The maximum readings of the thermometer at the Adelaide Observatory on Wednesday were: ta the shade, 55.2°; in the sun, 82.0°.
Quorn Mercury, Fri 17 Aug 1900: ‘Between 2 o’clock on Thursday [16 August] a very heavy fall of snow fell between Ucolta and Petersburg, which is the first since 1896’.
Evening Journal (Adelaide) Thu 16 Aug 1900: ‘An unusually heavy fall of snow occurred between 9 and 10 o’clock this morning, covering the hills around. The night was a boisterous one, and plenty of rain fell, registering 0.71 in. The township is clothed in large flakes of snow, and presents a beautiful sight. The snow accumulated several inches deep in parts, affording the exhilarating sport of snowballing. Not much hail fell. The weather is still stormy’.
The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide) Thu 16 Aug 1900: ‘A correspondent writing from Aldgate on Thursday morning says…The weather at Stirling West and in the vicinity during the past few days has been very severe high winds, heavy rain, sleet and snow, and bitterly cold. All outdoor work has been suspended and a good deal of damage has been done to various gardens. About 7 o’clock this morning there was a heavy fall of snow, lasting over 30 minutes. Flat roofs and sheltered places are covered several inches deep. Altogether this has been one of the most severe winters during the past 15 years’.
No Tmax above 13ºC from 13–16
Source
23000