NOT ENOUGH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 11 January 1944, Page 2

NOT ENOUGH

LIGHT SHOWERS LAST NIGHT 26 DAYS WITHOUT RAIN The showers of rain which fell in Nelson last night caused quite a stir ( f excitement after the unbroken spell of hot dry weather which had continued for 26 days since the 15th of December. Although it brought some slight relief for the badly parched gargens and scorched hills, the rainfall amounted to only .07 of an inch and was not sufficient to be of any lasting benefit.

The rain started soon after 9 o’clock last evening and several fairly heavy showers fell. However it was of short duration and by this morning the weather had cleared and the sun was shining brightly once again.

The rain was apparently confined to local showers only, and Redwood’s Valley, Ngatimoti and other outlying districts where orchards and crops are in a critical conditions for lack of water, unfortunately had no rain. In January last year .21 of an inch of rain had fallen for the corresponding period. CONDITIONS IN GOLDEN BAY Very hot weather has been experienced in Golden Bay and the temperature in the shade reached 92 degrees on one day last week. With the long continued dry weather, the pastures are turning very brown and already there is a marked decline in returns from the dairy herds. Unless a good fall of rain comes very soon, the position will become serious. The fine weather has enabled the haymaking and shearing to be carried out without interruption, and in these occupations, full advantage has been taken of the very favourable conditions. Early on Saturday morning, westerly winds brought signs of a change and some rain fell in outlying parts, particularly round the foothills, but not enough to do any good. After another very hot week-end Monday morning brought cloudy weather with mist low down on the hills and occasional light drizzle. Unfortunately, once again rain failed to materialise, but indications are in favour of its coming in the near future.