Spatial Characteristics of Precipitation in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area as Revealed by the Daily Precipitation Concentration Index

Rainfall in Greater Sydney is highly concentrated, with intense storms predominantly occurring along the south coast and topographic regions of the Illawarra district, the western highlands of the Blue Mountains, and within the metropolitan area itself. A study analyzing 65 years of daily precipitation data from 41 stations revealed that these zones exhibit Daily Precipitation Concentration Index (DPCI) values ranging from 0.61 to 0.63, indicating a strong tendency for heavy rainfall events. In contrast, inland regions show lower DPCI values (0.55–0.59), suggesting less concentrated but more frequent precipitation. The research applied spatial autocorrelation and cross-covariance methods to map these patterns, providing insights into the mechanisms driving severe thunderstorm activity in Sydney. This analysis also serves as a baseline for monitoring potential shifts in rainfall distribution under climate change.

Cheung, K. K. W., Rasuly, A. A., Ji, F., & Chang, L. T.-C. (2021). Spatial Characteristics of Precipitation in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area as Revealed by the Daily Precipitation Concentration Index. Atmosphere, 12(5), 627. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12050627