Air Masses Affecting Sydney

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the major air mass affecting the weather of Sydney is the Tropical Maritime Tasman air mass, which comes out of the North Tasman Sea. This is a warm and moist air mass that is unstable. Often times, this air mass produces clouds and precipitation along the eastern coast of Australia. Since the Blue Mountains lie to the west of Sydney, there is a considerable amount of orographic uplift that occurs, which produces precipitation in the Sydney basin. This air mass influences Sydney most of the year, but diminishes slightly during the winter months. Similarly, the Southern Maritime air mass affects Sydney and brings cool and moist air that is unstable on the surface, but stable above. This produces cloudy weather along with some light precipitation. Another air mass that has the potential to affect Sydney is the Modified Polar Maritime. This air mass is cold, moist and unstable. It is coming up from the latitude of about 55 degrees south and has the potential to affect southern Australia and Sydney in the winter time. Warm and cold fronts play a integral role in the weather and climate of Sydney. As shown in the weather map below, there is a cold front in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. Sydney does experience mid-latitude cyclones that are associated with the Pacific Ocean. Mid-latitude cyclones bring high pressure to Sydney and the New South Wales coast and will generate high ocean swells along the coast. Since Sydney is located on the coast, the climate is regulated by the ocean and the maritime air mass associated with that. 


Below are some images of current weather maps for the Australian region.

This is a synoptic weather map showing the high and low pressure systems currently occurring in Australia. Sydney is currently right under a high pressure system, resulting in clear and dry conditions. There is a low pressure trough penetrating it's way down the eastern coast and making its way to Sydney and NSW. This low pressure trough will result in some cool wind and cloudy conditions, which may produce some precipitation over Sydney. You can also see the jet stream (light blue) drawing up cold air from the polar regions, which has the potential to affect the weather in Sydney.
Image obtained from: http://www.weatherzone.com.au

This is the current weather conditions for Australia. Currently, there is a high pressure system that is spinning counter clockwise over New South Wales where Sydney is located, which is producing dry and clear sky's. But as you can see, there is a low pressure trough to the north that will bring winds and some precipitation to the Sydney area around Wednesday November 2.
Image obtained from: Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

      

This is a weather map showing high and low pressure systems along with the low pressure trough that will be affecting Sydney on Wednesday November 2. This map also shows a cold front off in the Tasman Sea, just south of Sydney and a warm front further west that is following in behind it.
Image obtained from: Australian Bureau of Meterology

Overview of Sydney

Sydney is the capital of the New South Wales Territory and is located in the southeast portion of Australia on the coast of the Tasman Sea. Sydney is located at latitude 33.9 degrees S and longitude 151.2 degrees E. Since Sydney lies right on the coast, the elevation is just above sea level. This produces a moderate coastal climate that is greatly influenced by the presence of the Pacific Ocean. The topography of Sydney is a coastal basin with the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Blue Mountains to the west. Sydney is located on a submergent coastline, which means it could be greatly affected by rising sea levels associated with the changing climate. Furthermore, one integral part of Sydney's climate is El Nino/La Nina and the Southern Oscillation, which can have a significant impact on the waters by Sydney, which in turn, will affect the amount of precipitation they receive along with the changes in seasonal and even diurnal temperatures. Currently, the temperature for this time of year in Sydney is very pleasant with highs in the mid to upper 70’s and lows in the upper 50’s. The overall mean temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  The average precipitation for the month of October is fairly high at 60 mm and a dew point of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. The average pressure for October is 29.95 inches at sea level. The coastal setting brings wind to the city with an average of 11 mph for October. Sydney has a temperate coastal climate. 


Below are some images to further describe the current weather conditions occurring in Australia as a whole, including Sydney.

This is the weather conditions along with cloud cover in Australia on Tuesday at 10:00am

Acquired from: www.weatherzone.com.au

This is the jet stream over Australia that plays a significant role in the weather they experience. Right now there is a trough in the east creating rain and storms in the Sydney area.

Acquired from: www.weatherzone.com.au

This is the temperature in Australia on Oct. 17. Sydney seems to be right about 60 degrees F.

                                   

                                                    Acquired from: http://www.wunderground.com/maps/au