FINE MARCH WEATHER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23002, 1 April 1938, Page 12

FINE MARCH WEATHER

SUMMER CONDITIONS ONLY FOUR DAYS WITH RAIN NOT HALF AN INCH RECORDED Less than half an inch of rain fell in Auckland during March, and of the total of .30in., 21 points fell on a single day, March 4. The average rainfall for the month is 3.27 in, 3.53 in. being registered in March, 1937. Rain was experienced on only four days, while there was only ono day without sunshine. March 7 was the sunniest day of the month with 11 hours 24 minutes out of a possible of 12 hours 33 minutes. During March 228 hours 54 minutes of sunshine were recorded, this being well reflected in the attendances at Auckland beaches throughout the period. High temperatures accompanied the abundant sunshine throughout the month, the mean in the shade being 69.40 degrees, comparing very favourably with last year's figure of 64.87 degrees. The maximum reading was 80.8 degrees and the minimum 53.0 degrees. Although the weather was ideal for sunbathers it had a retarding effect on pasture growth, but owing to heavy falls of rain in January and February, this was not as severe as it might have been. Water supplies were not materially affected by the dry period. . The influence of the fine weather was shown further in tho barometer readings, which were high throughout the month, with an average of 30.123 in.. compared with 30.055 in. in March, 1937. The barometer rose to 30.291 in. on March 18, while on March 5 the reading was only 29.671 in. In spite of the summer conditions, however, four early morning mists and 17 days on which dew formed were reminders of the approach of winter.