Meteorological aspects of the January 2003 south-eastern Australia bushfire outbreak

Summary

The severe fire outbreak in south-eastern Australia in January 2003 caused much devastation, with well over one million hectares of National Parks, State Forests and grazing land burnt. There was significant economic damage in terms of loss of dwellings (over 500 in Canberra on 18 January), buildings and stock. Tragically four people lost their lives in Canberra on 18 January. The conditions preceding the 2002–2003 fire season resulted in an abundance of dry fuel. Thunderstorm activity on 7–8 January initiated the wildfire activity that was not completely brought under control until early March. The meteorological conditions contributing to the severe fire outbreak in south-eastern Australia during early 2003 are discussed with particular attention to critical days during the period. Diurnal changes affecting fire weather are also discussed, in addition to stability and its effect on fire plumes.

Keywords:

• weather
• meteorology
• fire weather
• climate
• Australia