WEATHER IN MARCH

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 82, 8 April 1931, Page 11

WEATHER IN MARCH

DOMINION SURVEY

LOW RAINFALL'

March was a very dry month practically throughout the country, states lir. E. Kidson, Director of. Meteorological Services, in his summary of the Dominion's weather for the month just, completed. On the average for the whole Dominion, the rainfall was only about half the normal total for March. In the North Island it was considerably less.. The only places where the normal fall was approached wore Poverty Bay and parts of the West.Coast of the South Island. ■ Fortunate!}-, there were comparatively, few strong winds, and most of the rainfall was of a steady nature. These conditions, together with the cool temperatures, were responsible for the maximum amount of good being derived from such rain as fell. In most districts further considerable rains are, nevertheless, required if supplies of winter feed for stock are to be adequate. And the rain must come soon, or temperatures will be too low to promote extensive growth of pasture. At present, stock arc on the whole in good condition, and crops have harvested well. In the greater part of tho Hawkes Bay and Poverty Bay districts, where rain was most needed, there were good falls towards the end of_ the month, and tli situation was considerably relieved. In parts of the South Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu, and Wairarapa districts, stock are feeling the effects oi: continued low temperatures and rather scanty feed. Temperatures were everywhere below the average for March. In the North Island the deficit was between I 2deg. I'1, and 3deg. F., but in the South Island it was considerably less. Sunshine was rather above the average, so that good harvesting weather was experienced. Dealing with pressure systems, the report says that at the beginning of the month anti-cyclonic conditions prevailed, and the weather was generally fine until the 10th. Between the 10th and the 12th a moderate depression passed, and'rain was almost general, though only light to modorato in amount. Tho next depression passed ■between the 15th and 18th, and again there was widespread, though mainly light, rain. A alight cyclonic centre developed in this depression, and crossed the South Island on the night of the 17th- ■Thunderstorms were experienced, ChristchUrch. recording, an unusually sovero.-one.-: :•....■■:■.,■■ ~ . - After another spell of .anti : cyclonic and fine weather, a third and. rather similar depression crossed tho Dominion between the 2lrf and^the" 24th. On the 23rd there were again some thunderstorms in the South Island. In the North, many parts oi. the Auckland province had heavy ram. The last depression controlled the weather between the 26th and 28th. As it passed, many parts of Auckland recorded heavy rain.: Pressure remained low to the. cast and, in the East Cape, Pqvorty Bay and parts of. tho. Hawkos Bay districts raincontinued till the 28th, Some very heavy falls were experienced around Gisborne, where droughty conditions had ruled since the beginning of October. Temperatures were cold I '"Se^LTprevalence of southerly winds during tho month.