(compared to the 1961-90 average) since 1910 to present
Data collected by the Bureau of Meteorology indicate that Australias annual mean temperature for 2006 was 0.47°C above the standard 1961-1990 average, making it the eleventh warmest year since comparable temperature observations became available in 1910.
Australian annual mean temperatures have increased by approximately 0.9°C since 1910, consistent with a global mean temperature increase of between 0.7°C and 0.8°C since 1900. According to a preliminary estimate released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 14 December 2006, the global mean temperature for 2006 was about 0.42°C above average, making it the sixth-warmest year globally since records commenced in 1861.
While there has been a consistent warming trend apparent in Australian temperatures, annual temperatures will continue to vary from year to year in association with factors such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Consequently, it is not surprising that the mean Australian temperature for 2006 was cooler than for 2005, the nations warmest year on record (1.06°C above normal).
Annual Australian Climate Statement 2006, issued 3rd January 2007
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