THE WEATHER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 33, 8 January 1941, Page 2

THE WEATHER

CONTINUED WARM

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Jan, 8. Barometers are high over the Dominion, while a disturbance appears to be developing in the south Tasman Sea The forecast is for northerly winds prevailing and gradually freshening about the straits. Some morning fog or light drizzle west of the ranges, but the weather will be otherwise fair and warm. Seas, slight but rising.

RAINFALL AT TIRITEA.

The rainfall taken at Tiritea during December by Mr P. E. Toms, caretaker of the waterworks, was as follows: December 5, .16in; 6, ,65in; 17, ,05in; 20, ,30in; 21, .45in; 23, .05in; 24, .40in; total, 2.06 in. Rain fell on seven days, the maximum daily fall being ,65in on December 6. The total for the year 1940 was 40.40 in.

DRY AND WARM.

WEATHER IN DECEMBER,

December was warm, dry, and sunny with conditions ideal for shearing and haymaking, says the Government Meteorologist. Most cereal and fodder crops have been growing rapidly, as also the linen flax and, in the Auckland province, the paspalum grass. Eru.it is ripening very well, although the crops in some cases are not heavy'. There is still plenty, of grass, and dairy production continues at a high level, while pastures which are now drying are most favourable for fat lambs. Rainfall was well below the average in most places, frequently by deficits of 5(1 per ceuc. or more. The average was reached, however, in South Westland and exceeded in parts of Central Hawke’s Bay. and in a region embracing Taupo, Rotorua, and Tauranga. These North Island excesses were due to the torrential rains during December 14, for which day Kati Kati recorded 9.10 in. Mean temperatures were everywhere above normal. The cold changes were of very brief duration, and towards the end of the month there were several particularly hot davs, especially in Southland, i Apart from Taranaki and Westland, 1 where sunshine was slightly under the average, it was in excess, with substantial surpluses occurring in the South Island. RIVER GAUGE. Noon. —lft. 9iD.