THE WEATHER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 122, 5 March 1942, Page 4

THE WEATHER.

SUNNY, WITH COOL BREEZE. Sunny conditions prevailed in Ashburton to-day, but a cool, easterly breeze kept the temperature comparatively low. There was a short shower about 6 o’clock last evening, when five points of rain fell. The maximum and minimum temperatures yesterday were 66.5 and 45.6 degrees, compared with 46 and 38.5 on Tuesday. The barometer varied from 31.9 inches, yesterday to 29.83 to-day. THE MONTH AT METHVEN. The following are the meteorological observations for February as recorded by Air James Carr, “Rudstoue,” Alethven:— Rain fell on 10 days, the maximum on any one day being 71 points on the 4th. The total for the month was 1.48 inches. In February last year the fall was 2.32 inches. The average for February during the past 33 years is 3.18 inches. The wettest February during that period was in 1936, with 12.32 inches, and the driest in 1929, when only 21 points fell. The total this year to date is 5.26 inches. In the same period of last year 4.01 inches fell. The highest value of the barometer last month was 1025.7 millibars, on tho 11th (1026.8 in February, 1941), and the lowest value 995.6, on the 2nd (994.6). The highest reading of the maximum thermometer was 75.1 on the 28th ‘(87.1), and the lowest reading of the minimum thermometer 38.0 oh the 6th (40.8). The lowest reading on the grass was 24 on the 28th (26). The range of temperature was 19.2 (22), the average mean temperature 57.5 (62.6). Frosts were recorded on four nights. Hours of bright sunshine 194.8 (243.3 last February). Miles of Wind 1104 (2136), and evaporation 4.027 miles (6.412). STAVELEY DISTRICT RAINFALL.

The rainfall registered at Air H. Smith’s property at Staveley in. February totalled 332 points, recorded on 14 days. The total to date at Staveley is 766 points, against 544 points on the corresponding two months last year. During February 476 points were recorded: at Springburn School, the added rainfall being due to the phenomenal storm when for the 24 hours ended at 9 a.m. on the 17th. 238 points were recorded. This included 175 points registered in 45 minutes at the height of the downpour. Conditions during the itfonth wore unfavourable for harvesting, and many crops were delayed as a result. Some local oat. crops have been, affected by smut, but on the whole the average is good. Turnips are doing extremely well, and with excellent hay crops there is every reason to be optimistic concerning winter feed for stock. The local pulling of linen flax is practically concluded, and results are comparable with any to be found in the County. TO-DAY’S FORECAST. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The forecast for the east coast of the South Island from Blenheim to Oamaru is as follows : Moderate and variable winds, but westerlies freshening at times. Weather mainly fair to fine, although some isolated showers possible tomorrow. Moderate to mild temperatures. Further outlook: Mainly fair.