“TIMES” WEATHER REPORT

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6902, 7 May 1929, Page 8

“TIMES” WEATHER REPORT

lore Unsettled Conditions

An anti-cyclone is located off the East Coast of New Zealand. A small cyclone is centred near Cape Maria and a vigorous depression over southeastern Australia. The winds will be south-easterly at first in Cook Strait, but otherwise east to north winds, strong to gale force in places north of New Plymouth and East Cape and freshening elsewhere. The seas in New Zealand waters will be rough north of East Cape, elsewhere smooth to moderate, but increasing gradually; strong south-east to North-east winds and rough seas in the north-east Tasman; moderate but freshening cast to north and moderate seas in the southeast portion. The weather will be unsettled north of Auckland, with further rain heavy in places; elsewhere mainly fair to fine, but with increasing clouds and mist and unsettled conditions, extending gradually southwards. Warmer temperatures will be general.

April Weather REVIEW BY METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Meteorological Office report states that the general character of the weather ’ experienced in April over the North Island and northern and eastern districts of the South Island may be described as dull and moist, with in most districts an absence of strong winds. In Westland, Otago and Southland, on the other hand, it was fine, clear and pleasant for the greater part of the month. The total rainfall was below normal over the South Island, except in the north-east portion and deficiencies were recorded also in the central districts of thq North Island. In the Marlborough ancl Nelson provinces falls considerably exceeded the average, as also was *Tie ease in tho northern and eastern districts of the North Island, and although temperatures were slightly below normal, there were no extremes and frosts were few and usually of only slight intensity. As a result, tho ‘growth of pastures was rcmnrkable in all districts for this time of the year and prospects are good for supplies of feed in the winter. Therefore, everywhere it has been bright; stock have kept in good condition, but the soft state of the grass, owing to the excessive moisture, prevented the fattening of sheep in somo parts of the North Island and in some parts of Hawke’s Bay, has caused scouring and liver fluke among hoggets.

Characteristic of the month has been the frequency with which cyclones controlled the meteorological situation and with an almost total absence of the westerly type of pressure distribution. Two of the cyclones had some noteworthy features and may be briefly describes, thus: The first, which was the one which caused serious floods in Tasmania on about April 5, moved very slowly in a north-easterly direction across the Tasman and by the Bth was centred between Norfolk Island and Cape Maria van Diemen, where it remained stationary for several days until the 11th, it passed the East Cape and Cape Maria van Diemen and then moved gradually Southwards off the East Coast until the jl4fh. From the Sth to the latter date, much dull, misty weather prevailed and temperatures were mild until the 13th, after which a southerly W'ind became general and temperatures fell rapidly. Rain was fairly widespread during this period and many heavy falls occurred in the northern and east coast districts of the North Island, (while some flooding was experienced in ■ the East Cape area. I On tho 27th, another cyclonic disturbance developed off to south-west of Norfolk Island and it increased rapidly in extent and intensity as it moved southwards and by the 28th, tho pressure had fallen below 29 metres, while at many places in New Zealand, special warnings of stormy weather and a likelihood of flood and rains were issued. On this date, the movement of the storm centre was slow until the morning of the 29th, when it was situated •west of Farewell Spit. Thereafter, it moved rapidly across the northern portion of the South Island and by the evening of tho 30th, it had disappeared to tho south-east of the Chatham Islands. General heavy rains were associated with the disturbances and eonjsiderablo flooding resulted in the Nelson And Marlborough districts. In Nelson city, the flood was the worst experienced in the past 20 years. Over the northern half of the North Island, strong north-east to northerly gales were experienced generally. However, tho winds"werc less severe than might have been expected, in view of the fact that the cyclone was one of tho most intense experienced during recent years.

Sun (to-day). Rises, 6.58 a.m.; sets, 4.55 p.m. To-morrow. Rise.?, G. 59 a.m.; sets 4.53 p.m. Moon (to-day). Rises, 3.55 a.m.; sets 3.5 G p.m. To-morrow. Rises, 5.10 a.m.; sets, 4.20 p.m.