A FINE DECEMBER
NEW ZEALAND'S WEATHER ANALYSED [Per Press Association. — Copyright.] WELLINGTON, This Day. December was a remarkably fine month. For the holiday-makers there was an abundance of fine and warm weather, yet, at the same time, the man on the land, generally speaking, got just the conditions he desired. These facts are recorded in the Dominion Meteorologist’s report on the weather for December, which has been released.
Temperatures were much above normal, and. though the last few days were relatively cool, there was no really cold spell. Rainfall was, in general. considerably below normal, but this was no drawback after the wet and cold spring. One or two good falls met all requirements in most districts.
A fairly humid atmosphere anc an absence of wind were favourable features, which tended to minimise any lack of rain. Stock are reported to be in good fettle and lambs fattening well.
Abundance of Feed, There is abundance of feed, and much hay and ensilage were made under favourable circumstances. Crops promise to be much above average. Conditions were favourable for shearing, but it is still somewhat behindhand. Rainfall. Rainfall was generaljy above average north of Kawhia and Tauranga, and in parts of Taranaki, but elsewhere, except for isolated patches, it was very much below. Canterbury had only about 25 per cent, of the average. From Nelson and Marlborough northwards, temperatures were generally from 2 to 4 degrees above average. To the southward the departures were still greater, rising to over 6 degrees in South Canterbury and Otago, and to 7 degrees at Invercargill. In these latter parts it was the hottest December on record, with the exception of that of 1934. Christmas was, in many the warmest recorded, and there were other very hot days. Sunshine. Nelson. Marlborough and Canterbury had more than the average sunshine, but elsewhere conditions were fairly normal. The month was remarkable for the persistence of high pressure over the Dominion. Anti-cyclonic conditions prevailed continuously until Dec. 12, fine and Warm weather being almost general throughout this period. There were slight disturbances on December 13 and 14, which caused scattered light to moderate rains, and a few thunderstorms, but mainly in western districts and from Taranaki southwards. The only vigorous depression affecting the country during the month was one which arose from the remains of a tropicaj cyclone which developed in the New Hebrides on December 14. A Depression. This depression, passed down the west coast of the North Island and thence across the South during the period from December 17 to 19. It caused general rains, which were of very great benefit. Except eastern portions of the South Island, almost all districts had heavy falls, and in North Auckland there was some flooding. Inland from Oamaru, also, there were some isolated, very heavy rains. A north-easterly gale did some damage in Auckland Harbour on December 18.
After another period of anti-cyclonic weather, a moderate depression passed rather rapidly between December 28 and 30. Widespread rains again occurred ,wjth heavy falls in many places, but the rain was not general, nor so long continued as in the previous depression. Rather cool weather followed till the end of the month.
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Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 10 January 1936, Page 3
Word Count
531A FINE DECEMBER Northern Advocate, 10 January 1936, Page 3
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