DECEMBER WEATHER

Evening Star, Issue 22233, 10 January 1936, Page 1

DECEMBER WEATHER

FINE WARM DAYS (Pkr United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, • January 9. December waa a remarkably fine month. For the holiday-makers there was abundance of fine, warm weather, yet at the same time the man on the land, generally speaking, got just the conditions he desired. Temperatures were much above normal, and, though the last few days were relatively cool, there was no really cold spell. Rainfall was, in general, considerably below normal, but this was no drawback after the wot and cold spring. One or two good falls met all requirements in most districts. A fairly humid atmosphere and an absence of wind were favourable features which tended to minimise any lack of rain. Stock are reported to be in good fettle and lambs fattening well. There is abundance of feed, and much hay and ensilage were made, under favourable circumstances. Crops promise to be much above average. Conditions were favourable for shearing, but it is still somewhat behindhand. Rainfall was generally above average north of Kawhia and Tauranga and in parts of Taranaki, but elsewhere, except for isolated patches, it was very much below. Canterbury had only about 25 per cent, of the average. TEMPERATURES AND SUNSHINE. From Nelson and Marlborough northwards temperatures were generally from 2to 4deg above average. To the southward the departures were still greater, rising to over 6deg in South Canterbury and Otago, and to 7deg at Invercargill. In these latter parts it was the hottest _ December on record, with the exception of that of 1934. • Christmas Day was, in many places, the warmest recorded, and there were father very hot days. Nelson, Marlborough, and Canterbury had more than the average sunshine, but elsewhere conditions were fairly normal. PRESSURE SYSTEMS. The month was remarkable for the persistence of high pressure over the Dominion. Anti-cyclonic conditions prevailed continuously until December 12, fine and warm weather being almost general throughout this period. There were slight disturbances on December 13 and 14, which caused scattered light to moderate rains and a few thunderstorms, but mainly in western districts and from Taranaki southwards. The only vigorous depression affecting the country during the month was one which arose from the remains _ of, a tropical cyclone which developed in the New Hebrides on December 14. This depression passed down the west coast, of the North Island and thence across the South during the period from December 17 to December 19. It caused general rains, which were of very great benefit. Except eastern portions of the South Island, almost all districts had heavy falls, and in North Auckland there was some flooding. Inland from Oamaru, also, there were some isolated very heavy rains. A north-easterly gale did some damage, in Auckland Harbour on December 18. After another period of anti-cyclonic weather a moderate depression passed rather rapidly eastward between December 28 and 30. Widespread rains again occurred, with heavy falls in many places, hut the rain was not general aior so long continued as in the previous depression. Rather cool weather, followed till the end of the month.