Record low rainfall in North Otago
PA Dunedin North Otago had its lowest rainfall on record last year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture. Rainfall at Oamaru Airport was a mere 251.7 mm for the year, well down on the 1984 figure of 417 mm, and even further short of the region’s 537 mm average. Since rainfall measurements began in 1867, the previous record low was 325 mm, in 1881 and 1964. “The drought is not really over until the sub-soil moisture is replaced,” said a
field officer Mr N. G. Reid. “We need from 80mm to 120 mm to bring the sub-soil up. If we get 20mm a week and are losing 30mm to evapotranspiration, then we are losing 10mm all the time.” There had been no rain since January 1 and since then the soil had lost 29mm of moisture. “It is looking pretty grim. Even for the crops that have done reasonably well, if the dry weather continues, we will be getting pinched grain at harvest,” said Mr Reid.
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Press, 10 January 1986, Page 22
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175Record low rainfall in North Otago Press, 10 January 1986, Page 22
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