WET SEPTEMBER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 81, 3 October 1938, Page 18

WET SEPTEMBER

WORST SINCE 1905

SUNSHINE BELOW AVERAGE

The highest total rainfall for September since 1905 was recorded last month, the total being 5.94 in. The previous average was 3.20 in. Last month's rain was 86 per cent, above the average, and was exceeded last in September, 1905, when there were 6.02 in. In September, 1874, there were 11.05 in. The greatest day's fall last month was l.llin [on September 17, and after September 18 there was only one-tenth of an inch. Bain fell on fifteen days, which is the average for September.

Fresh snow fell on the Tararuas on September 18, but by the end of the month most of it had disappeared.

The first ten days of September were remarkably wet and cold with a prevalence of south-easterly winds. A fine and mild spell followed, and from the 19th onwards conditions were particularly pleasanti, with abundant sunshine, little wind, and uniformly mild temperatures. With the absence of any appreciable rain, the soil, which had previously been waterlogged, dried out to a healthy condition, and as a result vegetation began to grow apace. By the end of the month spring was in full sway, with a wonderful profusion of flowers. The native kowhai and clematis were already in bloom.

The mean pressure at 9 a.m. was 30.025, the previous average being 29.942; the highest reading was 30.295 on September 9, and the lowest 29.321 on September 18. The mean temperature at 9 a.m. was 51.6, the previous average being 50.1. The mean relative humidity at 9 a.m. was 80 per cent., the previous average being 75 per cent The mean maximum temperature was [55.6, the previous average being 56.6 and the mean minimum temperature was 45.0, the previous average being 44.9. The approximate mean temperature was 50.3, which was slightly below the previous average figure. The highest maximum temperature was 62.6 on September 30, and the lowest minimum 37.5 on September 19. The mean minimum temperature on the grass was 40.8, and the lowest 30.0 on September 19, the occasion of the only frost.

The mean run of the wind in 24 hours was 225 miles, the previous average being 234. The highest run in 24 hours was 539 miles preceding 9 a.m. on September 14. This was due to a northwesterly gale which blew from about midday on September 13 until early morning of September 15. The mean amount of cloud at 9 a.m. was 7.3, the previous average being 5.7. The total of bright sunshine was 143 hours, the previous average being 163.7. The total was 44 per cent, of the possible duration. There were five days without any bright sunshine.