WEATHER SUMMARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 22

WEATHER SUMMARY.

THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY WELLINGTON, March 5. The Meteorogical Office supplies the following weather summary for February The rainfall was above the average in most parts of Otago and the West Coast and the northern parts of the North Island, but was deficient elsewhere. The backwardness ot the early summer season was compensated for by the intensity of the latter part. In most parts of the country the heat wave which came on about tho • middle of January continued until the third week in February, and some very high temperatures were recorded, particularly on the 7th. 13th, and 14th in the east coast districts of both islands. In tho westerly area a low pressure. of moderate intensity ruled at the beginning of the month, and several minor disturbances passed south of the Dominion. Ono on the 22nd was followed by a cold snap and a short but rather severe storm, with a southerly gale, on the 27th. Electrical conditions were in evidence in many parts of the country about the Ist, 10th, 11th, 26th, and 27th. During the month investigations of upper air currents were made at Wigram aerodrome, Christchurch. Ascents of 21 pilot balloons were followed, and records telegraphed to Wellington. A preliminary examination of these results shows that, although the winds were from all directions at the surface, above 6000 ft of elevation they were from the west, and afterwards attained their greatest velocity. On one occasion a balloon was followed up to the height of 55,000 ft, while on two occasions they were lost in the clouds at 3000 ft.