In Australia, during winter and spring 2001, low rainfall across combined with a hot, dry December created ideal conditions for bushfires.
On Christmas Day, strong westerly winds fuelled more than 100 bushfires across the state, creating a plume of smoke that extended across Sydney.
[1] 121 homes were destroyed across the state and 36 damaged, mostly in the lower Blue Mountains and west of the Royal National Park around Helensburgh.
Significantly higher than average rainfall began in July 2010, it was Australia's second wettest year on record.
[8] —Belimba Park, Nattai, Oakdale, Silverdale, Thirlmere & Warragamba —Bendalong, Berrara, Huskisson, Manyana, Sussex Inlet, Tomerong & Vincentia —Brooms Head —Yarramundi & Blaxlands Ridge —Warrimoo, Valley Heights & Yellow Rock —Heathcote, Waterfall, Helensburgh, Otford & Stanwell Tops —Glenmore Park & Mulgoa