FLUCTUATING MERCURY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 136, 9 June 1926, Page 8

FLUCTUATING MERCURY

DOMINION'S MAT WEATHEB.

A feature of the Dominion's weather last month was the fluctuation of the ( barometer. "The month of May was remarkable f«r the changeability of tho weather," states Mr. D. C. Bates, Government Meteorologist, in his monthly review. "Barometric pressure had the high range of over an inch and three-quar-ters in the south, and great fluctuations occurred pver the whole Dominion. . "There were three anti-cyclonic periods, culminating on the 7th, 17th, and 31st; but between these areas of high pressure were several disturbances associated with stormy conditions. An extensive westerly depression ruled over the Dominion between the 2nd and 6th. The gradient was more severe in the north than in the south, and gales with heavy rain were reported, especially in, and north of, Cook Strait. A sudden and steep fall in the barometer on the 9th accounted for boisterous conditions, and a deluge on the West Coast; pressure then continued low, and the weather unsettled for a week. "An ex-tropical disturbance made its appearance to the north of New Zealand on the 17th and, travelling slowly south, the centre apparently only passed about Cook Strait, on the 23rd. This, united with an Antarctic 'low' resulted in nearly a fortnight of bad weather. "Eainfall was much above the average in almost all parts of the Dominion, but, considering the turbulance of the atmosphere, and partly in consequence, temperatures were comparatively mild. There were a few sharp frosts, but a good autumn growth of grass was reported."