STORMY PROSPECTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18680, 9 April 1924, Page 10

STORMY PROSPECTS.

RAIN AFTER BRIEF RESPITE. BAROMETRIC ANOMALY. HIGH READINGS LAST WEEK. PRESSURE IN WEST STILL HIGHER. Many people have observed the uniformly high readings of the barometer during the past week, and have been struck by the apparent vagaries of the instrument from the general conception of its behaviour in periods of stormy weather. An explanation was given by Mr. H. M. Vincent yesterday. Remarking that it is a common fallacy to believe that the weather is determined by the height of the barometer at any one place, Mr. Vincent said that primarily changes in the weather are brought about by the uneven distribution of atmospheric pressure. Though the barometer was high over the Dominion during the prolonged winy spell, atraospherio pressure was considerably higher to the west of New Zealand. Hence the Dominion was in an area of relatively low pressure, so that tho apparent indications of fine weather, or anti-cyclonic conditions, were nullified by the presence of the greater high-pressure system to the west. The stagnation of the area of relatively low pressure over New Zealand allowed the system to draw upon great quantities of moisture from the high-pressure area in the west, which acted as a great reservoir. Tropical influences, embracing a great area have been centred to the north-west of the Dominion for some considerable time, and these intensified matters. Consequently the inter-action of high and low pressures was on a large scale.

The conditions now obtaining are exactly the reverse of those ruling in the early summer, when tho dry conditions in the north were brought about by the almost total absence of tropical influences, and by small Antarctic disturbances constantly traversing the extreme south. The latter class of disturbance has been practically quiescent during the last three months, which in some measure accounts for the dry spell being experienced in the far south. As mentioned last December, the conditions now ruling usually follow on a summer that opens excessiyely fine and dry. Mr. Vincent added that prospects are now somewhat brighter for the immediate future, and the weather should temporarily improve. This will probably be followed by a renewal of unsettled weather, with heavy rains, due to the influence of a storm system advancing from the west.

BOISTEROUS WEATHER.

CHANGE AT AUCKLAND. GALE ON THE EAST COAST There wag quite a change in the weather at Auckland yesterday, when conditions were somewhat boisterous. There was a fresh breeze from the f?7theast, and the sky was dull and threatening. Light showers fell in the afternoon, but otherwise the day was fine. Last night the sky showed indications of clearing, and the conditions were more promising. The barometer is now unusually high. It rose steadily from Monday afternoon, and last night the reading was 30.50 in. A moderate south-east gale with rough sea is reported on the East Coast. The Maheno, which arrived at Auckland from Sydney last iright, experienced strong head winds all the way from Sydney, the boisterous conditions .causing her to be seven hours later in arrival than she should have been.