FEBRUARY WEATHER.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18015, 6 March 1924, Page 10

FEBRUARY WEATHER.

« —_ DOMINION CONDITIONS. Craxss association txubobajO WELLINGTON, March 5. Returns so far to hand show that, with the exception of Canterbury, the rainfall was mostly somewhat above the average for the month in ( previous years. There were during the month few atmospheric disturbances,, of much intensity or long duration. The month opened with a small westerly storm, but this was followed by anti-cyclonic conditions which prevailed for nearly a fortnight over th« North Island. The latter part of the month was more changeable owing to influences outside the Dominion. There was great warmth and high humidity, w*hicn conditions, rather than barometric changes, accounted for rains that proved so generally beneficial to the country, especially about the middle of the month. The rainfall ,was often of scattered or local character, probably owing to electrical conditions. Thunderstorms of note were reported in Southland and accounted for some local rainfalls oh February 12th and 15th. The dryness of the soil and the suddenness of the downpours prevented the rain from f soaking in and left the country still in need of more moisture. Two westerly depressions also passed in the South on February 20th and 23rd, causing gales and rain. The same systems, howevei, were responsible for dry nor'westers in Canterbury and other parts of Otago.