LOW RAINFALL DURING MAY

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1931, Page 6

LOW RAINFALL DURING MAY

MONTH OF COOL TEMPERATURES. SUNSHINE ABOVE THE AVERAGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In notes on the weather for May, Dr. E. Kidson, Government Meteorologist, states that the chief characteristics of the month were low rainfall and cool temperatures, but though the temperatures were below normal the departures were not so marked as in the summer months. On this occasion it was in the North that the conditions were relatively more severe. Fortunately, most of the rain which fell was fairly warm, so that pastures benefited considerably. Feed is rather scarce in parts of South Canterbury and Otago, but in almost all other districts supplies are ample and stock are reported to be in good condition. The total rainfall, was about equal to the average in the western districts from Westland southwards, and m Stewart Island. In all other districts it was below the average; in most, indeed, it amounted only to about halt the normal fall for May. In the northern and east coast portions of the North Island the mean temperatures were considerably below the average, but further southwards normal was gradually approached, and finally passed. In Westland and Canterbury conditions were about average, while in 'Otago temperatures were well above the May normal. . , The month was a ratner windy one, strong winds being experienced from both northerly and southerly directions. These were compensated for by number® of brilliant days with light winds, sunshine was above the average.