WEATHER IN SEPTEMBER

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29017, 5 October 1959, Page 13

WEATHER IN SEPTEMBER

Mild Drought Recorded Continued dry conditions existed throughout the month, creating a mild drought, says the summary of meteorological observations made at Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, during September. The highest maximum temperature was 70.5 degrees recorded on September 6. The average was 48.9 degrees. There were 169.3 hours of sunshine compared with 211 hours for the same month last year. Rainfall amounted to only 0.29 of an inch. During the past four months only 2.40 inches of rain has fallen which is 6.97 inches below normal for these months. Humidity, as could be expected, was lower than usual, but in other respects the month was normal, says the report. As the month closed the' lack of rain was beginning to have a marked effect on pasture growth and to a lesser extent on lucerne. All crops and pastures are in need of rain. Cultivation programmes were kept well up-to-date and sowings of most spring crops were completed. Some difficulty was experienced in breaking down some paddocks due to their dry condition. Lambing on most properties has almost finished, with average to good percentages being achieved and lower than usual lamb losses —a reflection on the good lambing weather. On dairy farms irrigation has been commenced in an attempt to lift grass production. In home gardens cultivation, sowings and plantings have pro-, ceeded unhindered by weather.’ Spring blossoms were at their best in the middle of the month.