Warm, wet outlook as winter descends on city

Alex de Vos
A distinct chill may be in the air with the change of seasons but there’s no need to stock up on extra blankets this winter, according to weather experts.
Bureau of Meteorology Climate Scientist Elise Chandler told the Independent Geelong residents could expect a warmer and wetter winter this year.
“The reason for this is because we’re coming out of an El Nino where you would typically see warmer conditions,” Ms Chandler said.
“At the moment we’re heading towards normal conditions with the potential for a La Nina to develop.”
Ms Chandler said the forecast for 2010 suggested above-median rain and daytime temperatures.
“There’s a 30 per cent probability of above-median rainfall and about 70 per cent probability of above-median daytime and night-time temperatures.”
Ms Chandler predicted an average daytime temperature of 14.3C for June, 13.9C for July and 15.1C for August.
The mercury would drop to an average temperature of 5.9C at night in June, 5.1C in July and 5.7C in August, she forecast.
“There’s a higher chance of it being warmer this winter than last year,” Ms Chandler said.
The predictions follow a warmer-and-drier-than-usual May across the region, according the Geelong Weather Services’ Lindsay Smail.
The bureau forecast that Geelong residents could this weekend expect cloudy conditions with some isolated showers.
On Saturday and Sunday the mercury is set to rise to 16C, with a low of 6C and 7C, respectively.
On Monday residents can expect partly cloudy conditions and a maximum temperature of 16C.