Why is it warm in Australia when its so far from the equator?

Question

Why is it warm in Australia when its so far from the equator?

Answer 1

Australia is not far from the equator.It lies between 10 degrees and 40 degrees south latitude.Hence part if it lies in the tropical region and the remaining part in the temperate region.In fact the tropic if capricon(23.5 degree south latitude) passes almost along the centre part of Australia.Therefore it is not surprising that Australia is warmer.

Answer 2

Its actually not far from the equator at the northernmost point - gulf of carpenteria.  The warm Coral Sea (relatively shallow so it can transfer heat easily from the tropical areas of SE asia) dominates the weather across the north (and being close to the equator) is warm anyway.  In addition most of the centre is desert, thus picking up the sun's heat during the day easily and little or no evaporation to cool.  When high pressure systems cross the continent, they can bring northerly winds that transfer this heat to the south, meaning summer temperatures in Melbourne and Adelaide often exceed 40 degrees celsius.

Answer 3

the wam temperature of australia is due to its wide dessert. warm air that comes from this wide area blows throughout the continent giving it a warm temp in some areas. just like in the middle east, it is high in latitude but it is h**l during the summer. this is because of the large dessert of the arabian peninsula

Answer 4

The top part of Australia (NT, NE QLD) are actually above the tropic of capricorn, so are classed as being in the tropics, which is why it's warm in those areas.

Most of the coastal regions are classed as temperate and the mild winters are a result of a combination of things most important being sea temperature.  

Answer 5

warm!? its 10 degrees in melb!

Answer 6

Many parts of Australia are desert. Northern Australia is tropical near the equator. Southeast Australia have a Temperate climate.

Answer 7

its not too far from the equator