Low Rainfall and High Temperatures

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 79, 4 April 1938, Page 2

Low Rainfall and High Temperatures

WEATHER IN MARCH The rainfall of 1.26 inches in March, which fell on six days, was the lowest for any single month for at least 20 years, states Mr. E. J. Werry, of the Palmerston North Boys’ High School, in his notes on the weather. It wa» only one half the normal fall for March and 1.28 inches less than the fall for March, 1937. Temperatures were up to 8 degrees higher than normal, the average maximum temperature being one of the highest ever recorded for March. The barometer remained very high and steady for practically the whole month, and there was a marked absence of high winds. Details of the records are:— Rainfall. Inches March 7th 07 „ Bth 02 „ 21st •• 83 „ 22nd 05 „ 23rd 10 „ 28th 19 Total 1.26 The rainfall for March, 1937, waf 2.54 inches, on 13 days. The total rainfall to the end of March is 6.26 inches (on 24 days). The rainfall last year to the end of March was 11.67 inches (on 38 days). Barometric Height. Average for month, 30.13 inches. Highest reading, 30.39in5. on 23rd. Lowest reading, 29.82in5. on 9th. Temperatures. (Last year’s figures in parentheses.) Averages. Mean air temperature, 66.1 degrees (61 degrees). Mean maximum in shade, 76.2 degrees (68.5 degrees). Mean minimum in shade, 56 degrees (63.4 degrees). Mean minimum on grass, 52.5 degrees (50.6 degrees). Extremes. Highest maximum in shade, 83 degrees on Ist and 25th (76 degrees). Lowest minimum in shade, 41 degrees on 6th (32 degrees). Lowest minimum on grass, 38 degrees on 6th (31 degrees). x Winds. (Observations taken at 9 a.m., Standard Time.) Force.—Calm, 1 day; slight breeze, 14 days; gentle breeze, 13 days; moderate to fresh, 3 days. Directions.—From north, 0; northeast, 1 day; east, 2 days; south-east, 2 days; south, 0; south-west, 0; west, 6 days; north-west, 19 days.