June warmer, and drier

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 8

June warmer, and drier

Christchurch weather was predominantly settled last month, with low rainfall and higher than average temperatures. Fogs were recorded on 12 nights, double the usual number for June. The monthly rainfall of 12mm recorded at Christchurch Airport was only 22 per cent of the average and the fifth lowest June total since records were started in 1944. The total rainfall of 11mm recorded at the Botanic Gardens was 18 per cent of the average.

Most of the rain fell in the first five days of the month and between June 22 and 25. The 128 sunshine hours recorded was 6 per cent higher than average. To date this year 1186 sunshine

hours have been recorded, compared with an average of 953 hours.

The monthly mean temS'ure of 8.1 deg. in the ens was about two degrees higher than normal, both night and day time temperatures being much higher than average. Only in 1916 has this mean temperature been exceeded. The maximum temperature recorded at the Gardens was 18.5 deg. on June 10 and the lowest temperature was -2.2 deg. on June 8. At Christchurch Airport daytime temperatures were I.sdeg. above average. Night temperatures were just below average, with 22 frosts recorded, four more than usual for June. The most severe frost was -6.sdeg. on June 8.