Severe Cold and Frost Hit Young Lambs
Date
20–27 June 1845
Summary / Overview
Two cold-extreme periods were identified in late June. A later report describing conditions during May and June linked heavy rain, extraordinary cold and severe frosts with substantial losses among young lambs.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
Instrumental — Wyatt record: 23 Jun 1845: 11.1°C / 52°F. This date falls between the two identified cold-extreme periods.
Historical descriptions / observations
South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register, 19 Jul 1845: “The very heavy rains during the months of May and June, with the extraordinary cold and severe frosts, fell heavy on the young lambs; and I do not think that generally there will be more than 75 per cent, reared.”
Source
South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register, 19 Jul 1845.