Will it ever stop raining? Many parts of Australia have experienced an absolute deluge over recent weeks with record rainfalls levels recorded for March 2022. In addition to the rain, the eastern seaboard has also seen dangerous and destructive waves which have pounded the coast line. Coming in line with high tides, the swell has been extremely destructive with some images resembling tidal waves. With school and Easter holidays starting, many have eyes on the weather outlook for the weeks and months ahead.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have issued the latest climate and weather outlook which boat owners should refer to when planning their boating activities. The long range climate and weather outlook can also be helpful when planning a new boat purchase. It may assist in determining the type of vessel to purchase and possibly what extras and accessories you should include in the purchase. We give an update of what the BOM has posted as the weather and climate outlook for coming months and tips and hints on using their information when selecting a new boat.
BOM Outlook
On 29 March, BOM issued its latest climate driver update headed that La Nina had eased slightly over the past two week period. This weakening of the La Nina event is noted in the tropical Pacific. The BOM outlooks indicate a return to El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in our hemisphere in autumn. ENSO is a neutral position as it is neither El Nino nor La Nina. However, even as it weakens, La Nina can still influence the global climate and weather.
As Australia is one third of the way through autumn and has endured some of the highest rainfalls recorded for March, that’s potentially two more months of La Nina’s influence. Those in regions seriously impacted by flood and the effects of heavy rainfall will be hoping that influence is minor!
In regard to sea surface temperature which can be important to boaters, along the equator the temperatures remain cooler but warmed slightly in easterly areas.
The effect of La Nina events is the increased likelihood of cyclones in tropical regions of Australia and the increased chance of above average rainfall in large areas of the eastern parts of the country.
The BOM notes that recently, the SAM (Southern Annular Mode) index has been positive. The forecast is for SAM to remain generally neutral in the first few weeks of April. This will have little influence on the climate in Australia.
The IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) is currently neutral. Typically the IOD has very little influence the climate patters during December through April as a result of the monsoon influence. Outlooks for the Indian Ocean Dipole are for neutral for the rest of autumn.
In the March outlook statement, BOM states that Australian and the global climate continues to be influenced by climate change. During the 1910-2020 period, the climate in Australia warmed by 1.47 degrees. Rainfall during the northern wet season has posted increases since late 1990s.
In the past few decades, the trend has been towards a larger proportion of the rainfall from high intensity, but short duration events.
The BOM issue climate outlooks for Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean. So boaters around the country can check out the outlook for their area.
In regard to long range rainfall forecasts:-
- Above median during April-June for eastern and northern Australia with small parts of western Tasmania likely below the median. In other areas, the forecast is that there is approximately an equal chance of below or above the median.
- Increased chances that rainfall will be unusually high across northern half of the country and in eastern NSW.
- Above the median rainfall in April for Australia’s northern half, eastern VIC and NSW.
- For May, the outlook points to a wetter month for scattered areas in the north and drier times more likely for areas in the south-west and western section of QLD-NSW border.
April to June outlook summary:-
- Above median rainfalls in some areas as noted above.
- Maximum temperatures likely above the median for northern, southern and western parts of the country and below median for areas of the eastern seaboard.
- Warmer minimum temperatures than median likely across the country.
Boaters are urged to stay across local forecasts and refer to the BOM app for up to date conditions in the areas they are boating.
Boat Buys and Weather Outlook
Why would the weather outlook influence boat buying decisions? If you’re planning to buy a new boat now to enjoy boating activities over the coming months, then having a long range indication of climate and weather can be considered.
While boats are purchased for many years enjoyment, it would be disappointing to buy say an open style boat for immediate enjoyment when the rainfall is forecast for above average/median in the coming months.
Considering the latest BOM outlook, it may be wise to include options and accessories to cater for heavier rainfall when purchasing a boat. These may include: high quality covers to withstand conditions when moored or stored; stronger anchor/ropes for more secure mooring; model with greater coverage such as a full cabin rather than a half cabin or open plan boat with only a bimini; and additional wet weather gear.
When using the services of Jade Boat Loans to arrange your marine finance, speak with your consultant about including the costs of these extras in your loan amount. When purchased concurrently and preferably from the same dealer, this is very often possible. Saves using additional funds to make the purchase and allows you to take full advantage of the current cheap interest rates on boat loans.
Insurance is required by lenders when a boat is purchased with finance, if you're thinking of getting boat insurance check out nautilus insurance for the best deals. When considering the inclusions and exclusions of different policies, keep the weather conditions of late front of mind! The sights of many boats destroyed due to large swells and floods is a timely reminder of the importance of a comprehensive marine insurance policy.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 to a quote for finance on all types of boats.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MIS-PRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
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