APRIL WEATHER

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 2

APRIL WEATHER

Notes by Meteorologist MILD MONTH RECORDED April was a mild month with comparatively little stormy weather, states a report qf Dr. E. Kidspn, Director of Meteorological Services. Precipitation was again considerably below normal over the greater part of the Dominion, but after the first nine days rather humid arid cloudy conditions prevailed and some good general rains were recorded. i Toward the end of the month the ground wits gradually becoming saturated and the effects of the long period of dry weather seemed to be disappearing. Though the weather was not warm or sunny enough to cause vigorous growth of vegetation, a certain amount took place in all districts and the situation as regards feed for, stock is generally quite good. Sheep and cattle are reported to be in good condition. Heavy rains occurred in the high parts of Taranaki and the western and central portions of the South Island. Elsewhere totals were once more considerably below normal. The cast coast of the North Island had a particularly dry month. Excess of Temperature. In parts of the eastern districts of the South Island the excess of temperature amounted to over two degrees. In Hawke's Bay, however, where there was a prevalence of southerly winds, the position was exactly reversed. The Wellington province, also, recorded mean temperatures which were on the cold side. The absence of very strong cold winds prevented serious ill-effects from such low temperatures as were experienced. ■ There were some cold nights just before the middle of the month, and on April 13 widspread frosts occurred. On the 27th there was a sharp fall of temperature, marking the first touch of.winter. So far, there has been little snowfall, but from the 25th the ranges had a fair coating. Less than the average amount of bright sunshine was recorded in most districts, but Nelson, 197.3 hours, New Plymouth, 191.0 hours, and Blenheim, IS7.G hours, fared vrell, and the southern part of the South Island had slightly more than the average. At the beginning of the month pressure was above normal over a very large area extending from South Australia to beyond the Chatham Islands and from 25deg. to 55deg. South Latitude. On April 1 the highest pressure was over Foveaux Strait, nnd reached about 30.6 inches. The centre of the anti-cyclone moved very slowly northward and eastward without reduction of pressure. Though barometers fell considerably on the 9th, there was a tendency tor high pressure throughout the month.

Heavy Falls of Kain. Between April 8 and 11 widespread rains occurred during the passage of 11 rather vigorous westerly depression. Some very heavy falls were recorded on the west coast and the main ranges in the South Island. The next storm was a rather complex one and affected some part of the country’ on each day from April 14 to 18. On April 16 and- 17 rain was almost general, the west coast again recording heavy falls. Northerly gales blew in many places on the 17th. The most general rains were associated with a third storm system which s lo' v " ly crossed the Dominion between the 21st nnd 25th. This also was responsible for very heavy falls in western districts and the ranges of the .South Island. There were notberly gales on the 23rd. Snow fell on the ranges on thg 24th and both, and many hailstorms were reported, rh? depression was followed by a decided fall of temperature.