General News
14 August, 2024
Region's frosty history: current winter balmy compared to record 2006 low
The lowest minimum temperature in Horsham was -6 in June, 2006.
If you need inspiration to brave the next wintery morning, take solace in knowing it could be much colder.
While temperatures dipped to -1.2°C on Tuesday, August 6, the region has experienced even chillier days.
The 2024 iteration of winter is relatively balmy compared to the record lows in Horsham, Ararat and Nhill.
The lowest recorded minimum temperature at the Horsham Aerodrome weather station, established in 1990, was -6°C on Thursday, June 15, 2006.
It wasn't just Horsham that shivered through the fateful frosty morning in 2006.
The Hopetoun Airport weather station, established in 2004, recorded a bone-chilling -6.4°C, while a property in Natimuk reported an even colder -8°C on the same morning.
This record low broke the previous mark of -5°C set in 1998.
Before weather station were regularly established at local airports, temperature readings were taken various locations across the Wimmera and Grampians; Horsham's was taken at Polkemmet Road in Vectis.
This station, operational since 1873, recorded its lowest minimum temperature of -5.6°C on Monday, June 21, 1976. The Polkemmet Road station was closed on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Since 1969, the prison has hosted the Ararat weather station.
The Hopkins Correctional Centre has dealt with its share of icy mornings, with a record low of -7.3°C on Tuesday, July 27, 1976.
So, next time you're reluctant to leave the warmth of your bed, remember these record lows and take comfort in the fact that it could always be colder.