WEATHER IN JANUARY

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29742, 8 February 1962, Page 20

WEATHER IN JANUARY

Lincoln College Report

Hot, dry and frequently windy conditions throughout January added to the drought in Canterbury that existed at the close of 1961, according to the monthly meteorological report from Lincoln College. Rain fell on five days during the month and a total of 1.40 in was recorded. However, the rain was soon evaporated by above average temperatures and the strongest winds experienced for six years.

High temperatures and winds combined to produce an evaporation for the month ox 8.372 in.

There were 55 hours of sunshine more than the January average and the highest in recent years.

Harvesting continued with little interruption and as the month closed there were few crops standing. Yields were lower than in recent seasons, but considering the dry conditions and difficulty of cultivation in the spring they could have been much worse.

There was no pasture growth on unirrigated land; lucerne was slow and most forage crops needed rain. On dairy farms pasturage was produced by continuous irrigation which, along with specially grown crops, maintained milk production. Conservation of forage was in terms of quality rather than quantity. All cultivated ground was dry, especially late cultivated.

In home gardens insect damage did not appear great, but yields of flowers and vegetables had been restricted or damaged by dry heat and wind.