THE WEATHER

Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 28

THE WEATHER

EXTENSIVE FALL OF SNOW. BAD EFFECT ON STOCK. CHRISTCHUBCH. September 22. A good deal of snow fell yesterday and last niglht in the back country. The fall at Lake Coleridge was about 12in. From Ashburton the report is that snow in the back country is having a serious effect on stock. Big losses are inevitable, as the lambing season is at its height, and, as it is still snowing, the prospects are decidedly bad. The Lake Coleridge electric power failed late last night, leaving the city in darkness. Both lines were down, but one was restored this morning. ASHBURTON, September 22.

Following two days' sultry nor'-westers, heavy rain set in here on Saturday evening. It is still raining towards the ranges. At Methven it snowed all day yesterday. The rain this morning is causing 'a thaw. It is feared that the losses of lambs will be heavy. TIMARU, September 22.

Over an inch of rain fell at Timaru, over two inches inland, and snow from Cave westward (six inches at Kimbelf) between Saturday and noon to-day. This will be greatly injurious to lambing prospects, and will prolong the reaction in regard to cultivation work, which is already behind-hand through previous rains. Heavy losses of lambs are anticipated from cold and wet. (FSOM ODE OtVV CoTCREJIVoSmKVTS.I PALMERSTON, September 22. Following on a few days of heavy winds rain commenced to fall on Saturday night, and continued steadily till this morning, when it eased off, and the weather looks more promising. The hills in the back country have a liberal coating of snow. MIDDLEMARCH, September 22. For the second time in a short while the Strath-Taieri has had a surprise in the change of the weather. On Saturday a hot gale was blowing, but on Sunday morning the plain was covered with several inches of snow. On Sunday snow fell all day, but it was of a half-melted nature, and did not add to the depth already lying. This morning a fresh layer was found to have fallen during the night, but the weather is beautiful with sunshine,_ and the white mantle is rapidly_ disappearing! from all but the mountain heights. OTUREHUA, September 22. One of the most severe storms experienced here at this season of the year raged all day yesterday. A cold east wind prevailed, and snow fell all day and late into the night. It has stopped snowing this morning, but the weather is still dull and threatening. There is about five inches of snow on the ground. Luckily lambing has not commenced in this district yet, so that no losses of stock are feared.

WAIPIATA, September 22

The rainfall registered here for tho 48 hours ended 9 a.m. was_B7 points. A fall of enow occurred, covering the high levels. The weather still looks stormy. ALEXANDRA, September 22.

Heavy rain started on Saturday evening, and continued till Sunday night, 132 points falling for the 24 hours. Unfortunately it was accompanied by a heavy fall of snow on the high country, which is well Coated. ROXBURGH, September 22.

A sharp change in the weather took place on Sunday morning. All dav on Saturday a fierce gale raged, but by nightfall it had calmed down considerably, and heavy rain commenced to fall. By Sunday morning this changed to snow, and resident's on rising received a shock to see the ground covered with a white mantle. Soft snow fell continuously on Sunday, but the glass is high, and still rising, so that it should not last much longer. The presence of so much snow on the surrounding hills is making the fruit-grower a little apprehensive, and unless a quick thaw sets in frost is probable. Apricot blossoms are now falling and peaches are just coming out, so that a night's frost would be a serious matter.