MIXED WEATHER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22357, 2 March 1936, Page 10

MIXED WEATHER

STORM AND SUNSHINE FEBRUARY CONDITIONS RAIN EXCEEDS AVERAGE A month of mixed weather, ranging from exceptionally henvv rain and a storm and strong gale which did widespread damage, to ideal summer conditions, was experienced in Auckland during February. The rainfall for the month, although less than that for February last year, was nearly three times the average. The total for last month was 9.27 in., of which 6.38 in. fell on February 1. Main fell on 10 days. In February last year the fall was 9.62 in., and in 1934, 8.17 in. The average for the. month is 3.31 in. Although usually one of the driest periods of the year, February lias been exceptionally wet for the past four years, and in the past has established records for heavy rainfall. In February, 1869, a total of 14.10 in, of rain fell, a record for any month, and in the same month in 1917 the total was 12.67iu. In February, 1909, however, there was no rain at all. Last month opened badly with torrential rain on February 1, followed by a storm which swept the North Island on February 2, disorganising services and causing extensive damage. The storm was accompanied by an exceptionally low barometric reading of 28.741 m., according to the report of Mr. S. M. Yallop, the Government observer. The maximum reading was 30.25 in. on February 13, and the mean for the month was 29.922 in. Winds during February were variable, but those from the north-east predominated. Atmospheric conditions at times were extremely trying, humidity reaching 97 per cent on three days. The mean temperature for the month was 66.72deg., the mean maximum being 72.59deg., and the mean minimum GO.Sodeg. The extreme maximum was 75.6deg. on February 9, and the extreme minimum 54deg. on February 8 and 27. The lowest grass reading was 42deg. on February 9 and 14. There were 2171 i 42m of sunshine last month, compared with 171 li 12m in February last year. The maximum sunshine was 12h 30m on February 15, and only one day was without sunshine. Dew was recorded on 13, days.