<P> Australia's climate is governed largely by its size and by the hot, sinking air of the subtropical high pressure belt . This moves north and south with Antarctica . But it is variable, with frequent droughts lasting several seasons--thought to be caused in part by the El Niño - Southern Oscillation . The climate varies widely due to its large geographical size, but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid . Only the south - east and south - west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil . The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, varied between tropical rainforests, grasslands and part desert . </P> <P> Because Australia is a small continent, separated from polar regions by the Southern Ocean, it is not subject to the movements of frigid polar air that sweep over Northern Hemisphere continents during winter . Consequently, its winter is relatively mild, so that there isn't the great contrast between summer and winter temperatures there is in the northern continents . Yet in many parts of the country, seasonal highs and lows can be considerable: temperatures have ranged from above 50 ° C (122 ° F) to well below zero . Nonetheless, minimum temperatures are moderated . </P> <P> The El Niño - Southern Oscillation is associated with seasonal abnormality in many areas in the world . Australia is one of the continents most affected and experiences extensive droughts alongside considerable wet periods . Occasionally a dust storm will blanket a region and there are reports of the occasional tornado . Tropical cyclones, heat waves, bushfires and frosts in the country are also associated with the Southern Oscillation . Rising levels of salinity and desertification in some areas is ravaging the landscape . </P>

Why is australia hot when it's not near the equator