CYCLONIC MAY

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2702, 9 June 1925, Page 7

CYCLONIC MAY

Unusual Weather Conditions’ , HEAVY RAINFALL AND VIOLENT STORMS. [Per Press Association,] WELLINGTON, Last Night. Mr. D. C. Bates, director Of the Meteorological Department, reports that the weather during the month of May was remarkable for the number of cyclonic disturbances which passed to the northward of New Zealand. also for the absence of westerly low-pressure areas. The rainfall was greatly in excess of the average, particularly in the North Island and north-east districts of the South Island, but was deficient in Christchurch City and the West Coast and southern districts. The month opened with stormy weather and on May 6* a disturbance, centred about the Chatham Islands, intensified and caused severe southerly galea along the East Coast, the barometer reading 29.4 G ins. at Chatham Islands* while it was three-quarters of an Inch higher in most parts pf the Dominion* Anti-cyclonic conditions followed, but on May 10, a cyclone made its appearance- to the northwards of New Zealand, causing heavy rain in tha north and further heavy rain was rew ported about May 14 and 15, especially in the King Country and northern districts and severe thunderstorms were experienced in Auckland at the same time. On May 22 and 23 a remarkably steep depression" passed over the Dominion and caused widespread storm conditions, especially in the north. Floods occurred in Taranaki, the King Country and ■other parts of Auckland province, also experienced gales and heavy rain. Anti-cyclonic conditions, with fair weather, prevailed from May 24 to 28, but another cyclone then made its appearance in the north and the month closed with weather which will be remembered for a loflgj limf by the northern Inhabitants. Forecast. Present indications are for moderate to strong westerly winds, backing to southerlies northwards of New Plymouth, with freshening southerlies, ruling elsewhere. The weather will be dull, misty and foggy in parts with rain probable generally. The barometer is falling but will rlso everywhere after about 24 hours.