HEAT TO SNOW

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21963, 6 March 1946, Page 4

HEAT TO SNOW

MATAWAI CHANGE RAIN IN GISBORNE WEATHER BRIGHTENS Wintry weather was experienced throughout the Gisborne. Matawai and East Coast districts yesterday and again this morning. Snow was reported in the high country. The wind has remained in the southwest with the exception of about three hours, from 10.15 a.m. to 1.10 p.m. yesterday, when it veered to the northwest. Temperatures fell further, the maximum yesterday in Gisborne being 55.8 degree's, compared with 60 degrees the previous day. A week ago the maximum was over 75 degrees. The rain showers became less frequent yesterday and this morning the weather showed signs of clearing. Rainfall registered in the 24 hours ended 0.30 o’clock this morning was .27in. The total for this month is now 1.95 in. The wind has also decreased in velocity, although yesterday it was gusty. No fewer than 10 gusts of approximately 35 miles an hour were recorded at the Gisborne weather station at Darton Field between 2 p.m. and midnight. The weather in the Matawai area has followed even more violent extremes. Snow has replaced bush fires. Snow fell in the township yesterday, but was not sufficiently heavy tu remain on the ground. A motorist driving from Rakauroa to Pederson’s mill, on the RakauroaTahora road, yesterday had an unusual experience for this time of the year. The windscreen wiper on his car was stopped by snow. Despite the fall, the remains of the recent bush fires were still smouldering. In other parts the snow lay quite thickly on the ground. The East Coast had more rain than the Gisborne district last month. Rukuhanga station, at Cape Runaway, reports a fall of 1.60 in., spread over five days. This, however, was a marked decrease on February, 1945, when 3.90 in. was registered. Matarau station, near Te Araroa. reports a fall of 2.67 in. in February, compared with 5.84 in. in the corresponding month of last year. The heaviest fall was on February 23, when 2.06 in. of rain was recorded.