WEATHER IN APRIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22258, 10 May 1934, Page 2

WEATHER IN APRIL

METEOROLOGIST’S REPORT (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 9. The report of the Dominion Meteorologist (Dr E. Kidson) for the month of April is as follows; April was a mild month, with comparatively little stormy weather. Precipitation was again considerably below normal over the greater part of the Dominion, hut after the first nine days rather humid and cloudy conditions prevailed, and some good general rains were recorded. Towards the end of the month the ground was gradually becoming saturated and the effects of the long period of dry weather seemed to be. disappearing. Though the weather was not warm or sunny enough to cause vigorous growth of vegetation, a certain amount took place in all districts, and the situation as regards feed for stock is generally quite good. Sheep and cattle are reported to be in good condition. RAINFALL. Heavy rains occurred in the high parts of Taranaki and the western and central portions of the South Island. Elsewhere totals were once more considerably below normal. The east coast of the North Island had a particularly dry month. TEMPERATURES. As already indicated, for most of the country the month was a mild one, with temperatures above normal. In parts of the eastern districts of the South Island the excess amounted .to over two degrees. In Hawke’s Bay, however, where there was a prevalence of southerly winds, the position was exactly reversed. The Wellington province also recorded mean temperatures which were on the cold side. The absence of very strong, cold winds prevented serious ill-effects from such low temperatures as were experienced. There were some cold nights just before the middle of the month, and on the 13th widespread frosts occurred. On the 27tb there was a sharp fall of temperature, marking the first touch of winter. So far there has been little snowfall, but from the 25th the ranges had a fair coating. SUNSHINE. Less than the average amount of bright sunshine was recorded in most districts, but Nelson (10,7.3 hours). New Plymouth (191.0 hours), and Blenheim (187.0 hours) fared well, and the southern part of the South Island had slightly more than the average. PRESSURE SYSTEMS. At the beginning of the month pressure was above normal over a very large area extending from South Australia to beyond the Chatham Islands, and from 25 deg to 55deg south latitude. On the Ist, the highest pressure was over Foveaux Straits, and reached about 30.6 inches. The centre of the anti-cyclone moved very slowly northwards and eastwards without reduction of pressure. Though barometers fell considerably on the oth, there was a tendency for high pressure throughout the month. Between the Bth and the 11th widespread rains occurred during the passage of a rather vigorous westerly depression. Some very heavy falls were recorded on the west coast and {lie main ranges in the South Island. The next storm was a rather complex one, and affected some part of the country on each day from the 14th to the ISth. On the 16th and 17th rain was almost general, the West Coast again recording heavy fails. Northerly gales blew in many places on the 17th. The most general rains were associated with a third storm system which slowly crossed the Dominion between the 21st and 25th. This also was responsible for very heavy falls in western districts and the ranges of the South Island. There were northerly gales on the 23rd. Snow fell on the ranges on the 24th and 25th, and many hailstorms were reported. The depression was followed by a decided-fall of temperature.