Blazing in the heart of Melbourne as the Sun, I stand as the starting point of a celestial journey. I am a key part of the Melbourne Solar System Sculpture. This artwork represents the solar system in a 1:1,000,000,000 scale.
Melbourne’s climate dances around me. I witness warm summers and cool winters. The city is known for its changeable weather. It often experiences four seasons in one day. This happens because Melbourne is near hot inland areas and the cool southern ocean.
In summer, I see temperatures rise. January is the hottest month with an average of 21°C. But sometimes, the heat can be extreme. The highest temperature recorded in Melbourne was 46.4°C on February 7, 2009.
During winter, Melbourne cools down. July is the coldest month with an average of 10°C. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -2.8°C on July 21, 1869. Snow is rare in the city center.
I see rain throughout the year. May is usually the wettest month. But Melbourne is drier than other parts of southern Victoria. This is because of the rain shadow from the Otway Ranges.
Port Phillip Bay affects the weather too. It can create a “bay effect rain”. This intensifies showers in certain areas.
Melbourne has fewer clear days than other Australian cities. It is the cloudiest capital with only 48.6 clear days per year. This is due to a weather phenomenon called “anticyclonic gloom”.
Despite the clouds, I still shine. I provide Melbourne with about 2,200 hours of sunshine annually. January has the most daily sunshine hours with 11. The average ultraviolet index varies throughout the year. It peaks in January at 11.
From my vantage point, I see Melbourne’s seasons change. Each season brings different weather patterns. The city copes with heatwaves, cold snaps, and variable rainfall.
Melbourne embraces its diverse climate. People adapt to the changing conditions. They enjoy outdoor activities in summer. They seek indoor entertainment in winter.
As the Sun of Melbourne Solar System Sculpture, I observe the city’s climate. I watch its people live with “four seasons in one day”. I remain a constant source of light and perspective.