Above average temps continue for Finland, strong winds in Sydney

The last few days in Finland have seen above average temperatures continue. Including today, the past 5 days have a daily maximum above 4C, with 3 of those days not going below 3C. The highest monthly minimum was set again yesterday; it now stands at 3.4C. 

Minus temperatures seem like a distant memory for Jyväskylä. In fact, it hasn't dipped below zero since December 20, 9 days ago. Of the 5 years prior to 2013, the latest time in the year for 9 consecutive days above zero was last year between November 17 and 26, a total of 10 days. Compare that to 2010 and you'll have to go back to the start of October. Also in 2010, the last day of the year entirely above zero was November 4. Since November 4 this year, there have been 21 days entirely above zero.

Today's maximum of 4.4C helped the monthly average maximum equal 2011's mark of 1.6C. With only 2 days remaining in the month and a maximum of 2C forecast for both, it should reach 1.7C. The average minimum for December, however, will stay below 2011's figure.

Sydney saw some strong winds this morning. A southerly change hit the city just after 5am. Winds picked up in the following hour and gusts remained at 80km/h or above between 6am and 8am. The strongest gust was 89km/h at 6:31am. That was the strongest recording since December 5. The rest of the day was rather cool, although it didn't dip below 20C all day. 

Elsewhere in Australia, the Pilbara region in Western Australia is bracing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. It is currently a Category 2 storm, but is predicted to strengthen to a Category 3 by the time it makes landfall between Port Hedland and Karratha tomorrow evening. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of gusts exceeding 165km/h and heavy rainfall as the cyclone crosses the coast and moves inland.