STORMY WEATHER AT WEEK-END

Southland Times, Issue 24332, 13 January 1941, Page 4

STORMY WEATHER AT WEEK-END

UNPLEASANT CONDITIONS IN CITY The weather in Invercargill on Friday gave promise of another fine spell, but, instead, it proved to be the prelude to a very stormy week-end. Light rain began to fall early on Saturday afternoon and became heavier as the afternoon advanced. A keen southwesterly wind helped to make conditions most unpleasant. The wet weather on Saturday marred the Caledonian Games and also interfered with some of the bowls fixtures in the city. The weather became worse yesterday. The wind increased in strength and squalls frequently swept the city. The atmosphere became much colder and conditions were bleak throughout the day. Rain began to fall at Bluff shortly after midday on Saturday and cold showers fell at intervals until last evening, when the weather showed signs of clearing, although a cold south-westerly wind was still blowing. The rainfall at the reservoir for 48 hours to 9 a.m. yesterday morning was 26 points SITUATION EASED RAIN BENEFITS NORTH | ISLAND PASTURES I (United Press Association) ) WELLINGTON, January 11. | The drought broke last night after 16 1 days of heat and the rain promises to be i general over both coasts of the North i Island and will relieve the situation I which, while not serious, was beginning Ito cause concern to farmers. In the 1 Lower Manawatu dairy production had , fallen by nearly a third in the last 10 ! days, and lambs were beginning to lose | condition. In the Wairarapa and the j hilly country round Pahiatua it was becoming very dry and the pastures will be saved many districts if the falls are heavy enough, but still more rain will be needed to make the position safe. A couple of days’ heavy rain will not be amiss. It is expected by the Meteorological Office that the rains will continue and that the districts not yet eased will benefit. Up to 9 a.m. Wellington had 85 points. It had eased off after 7 a.m., but rain is expected on and off all day. There was heavy rain in the Marlborough and Nelson provinces, and some in New Plymouth and the Manawatu this morning. The East Coast has not yet received rain, but it is expected to benefit tomorrow, though not to the extent of the West Coast. DROUGHT INTERRUPTED (Uniled Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, January 12. The drought of the last few weeks was interrupted today at 4 p.m. by a brief but heavy hailstorm followed by rain which continued, though not heavily, until 7 p.m.