Method
Mean Annual Temperature
Mean annual temperature (MAT, in °C) represents the very broadest of indices of the environmental status of a location. Although it integrates and smooths the effects of diurnal, monthly and seasonal patterns of maximum and minimum temperatures, it is nevertheless used as a general first guide to determine the suitability of a location for specific crops.
MAT was calculated from daily temperatures. More detail is provided in the section Background: Climate Change Modelling.
The modelling for the intermediate future (2050s) was conducted using five different CMIP3 GCMs (Schulze, 2011).
Maps
Map Information
The Ceres region has a historical MAT of 11-16°C (regional average). The colder areas are suitable for apple production, whereas the warmer areas are more suitable for pear and stone fruit production. Climate model projections for the intermediate future (mid-century) show an increase of around 2.2-2.4°C.