THE "SOUTHERLY BUSTER"

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 42, 18 February 1921, Page 7

THE "SOUTHERLY BUSTER"

WEATHER, DISTURB4NCEB EXPLAINED.

Some interesting observations regarding weather conditions' experienced in 'New Zealand were made by the Dominion Meteorologist, Mr. D. C. Bates, at the nautical inquiry into' the circumstances attending- the loss of the Omaka. Reference had been made to "southerly busters as being the most dangerous winds as far as navigation in Cook Strait was concerned. Mr. Bates explained that at the time of the disaster, weather conditions on the east coasts of New Zealand, particularly between Mahia and Banks Peninsulas, were seriously affected by » low-pressure' system which did not otherwise touch New Zealand. "Suoh developments," he said "are unusual. This system was either what is known, as a 'secondary,' springing out of tho Antarctic- 'kny' that had passed in the south, or else- it Svas an ox-tropical cyclone or depression travelling from the north-east, before being .forced >yestward by the anti-cyclone then advancing over New Zealand,, and coming from the westward. The gradient at the edge of these disturbances them becomes steep, and ths winds are strengthened in consequence. ■In these latitudes "we get what is known as a 'southerly buster' at the edge of the cyclone or tail of tho storm."

In reply to a question by Mr. P. J. O'Regan as to whether ho could suggest any better methodß ok, securing indications when these "southerly were likely' to bo expected, Mr. Bates stated that more-and better equipment for the Meteorological ' Department was : necessary. He' considered that he had the lives of more men in his hands than the Supreme Court Judges had, and a still more dahgeroua service was now being entered upon—aviatibn—without any adequate preparations having been made from.a meteorological point' of view. He urged the need for better communication with lighthouses and other places so situated as. to be of importance in preparing weather reports. Regarding winds, Mr. Bates stated that a "fresh breeze," according to tha ■latest definition, corresponded to 21 miles per hour, while a ."moderate gale" Corresponded to. 35 miles per hour. A, gale had an average velocity of' 42 miles per hour at a height of thirty-three feet, and ranged between 39 and 46 miles in the open. Strong winds fanged from 25 miles to 38 miles, whilef a storm force oxceeded 54 miles per hour. He added that the anembmetor from which the records Were taken locally Btood about twenty feot above the f round, on an open space on the Thorndoh Esplanade. The, force of the wind at the entrance to Wellington Harbour would Undoubtedly be greater but less gusty than at the Observatory.