Environment
Climate
The Shire of Wiluna is an area of low rainfall and extreme temperatures. The mean rainfall for Wiluna is 250mm (10 inches) per annum, although high rainfall is possible at any given time. The daily temperature can vary from highs of well over 40 degrees in the summer months to nightly lows in the winter months below zero.
Climate Averages for Wiluna
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Annual |
| Mean Daily Max Temp (oC) |
38.0 |
36.5 |
34.0 |
29.2 |
23.8 |
19.9 |
19.4 |
21.9 |
26.3 |
30.3 |
34.0 |
36.8 |
29.1 |
| Mean Daily Min Temp (oC) |
22.9 |
22.1 |
19.6 |
15.1 |
10.0 |
6.7 |
5.4 |
6.8 |
9.9 |
13.9 |
17.8 |
21.1 |
14.3 |
| Mean Rainfall (mm) |
35.1 |
38.0 |
35.6 |
29.0 |
25.2 |
23.8 |
15.1 |
10.2 |
4.6 |
7.1 |
11.2 |
22.3 |
257.0 |
| Mean Number of Rain Days more than 1mm |
3.2 |
3.3 |
3.3 |
2.7 |
2.9 |
3.1 |
2.5 |
1.7 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.9 |
2.6 |
29.2 |
| Highest Monthly Rainfall (mm) |
231.9 |
271.6 |
234.9 |
527.1 |
142.0 |
108.5 |
149.0 |
67.4 |
71.1 |
88.6 |
63.8 |
161.4 |
527.1 |
| Lowest Monthly Rainfall (mm) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Highest Record Daily Rain (mm) |
82.3 |
124.6 |
76.2 |
56.2 |
69.2 |
68.3 |
73.5 |
42.4 |
25.6 |
78.2 |
37.4 |
112.8 |
124.6 |
The statistical information is provided with the courtesy of the Bureau of Meteorology. More information can be obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology website located at www.bom.gov.au
Vegetation
For many newcomers to this area the vastness of the country and the stark beauty of the rock formations grab attention. But what grows here, apart from the occasional magnificent display of wild flowers, can seem dull and boring. It is all so different. “What are all those trees and shrubs anyway?” It’s hard to appreciate.
The country is classified as desert because the long-term average rainfall for Wiluna is a mere 200mm. But it doesn’t look like a desert. There are way too many trees and shrubs. As well, it actually has more diversity of plants, shrubs and trees, than in many other places in Australia - places that have far more rain.
This leaflet gives a bit of an idea as to why this desert is so flourishing. As well, it will help you to recognise some of the more obvious and interesting trees and shrubs. When you come to know this country, the vegetation has a fascination all of its own.
Trees and Shrubs in the Wiluna Region by Don Miller