CONTRASTS IN MARCH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 April 1927, Page 7

CONTRASTS IN MARCH

WEATHER SUMMARY FOR MONTH

by Telegraph—Press Association.

WELLINGTON, April 7 In liis weather summary lor the month of March, Mr D. 0. Hates, Dominion Meteorologist reports as follows : '

March is regarded as the first month of autumn in these latitudes, but tho earlier half was decidedly summerlike —calm, warm and fair generally. Ihe latter part of the month, however, was quite different iin character, being cold, unsettled and boisterous. The contrast between the two periods was very marked, and an observer in Otago found the average, temperature of the first half ton degrees higher than that of the latter half. The trough of one westerly “low” passed on the 16th, and was soon succeeded by a more violent and extensive disturbance of similar type. The lowest reading of the barometer 28.95 in., was recorded at 3 p.in. on the 20th at Bluff, and this storm was apparently affiliated to a cyclonic' disturbance, the centre ot which passed over the South lowest atmospheric pressure 28.(Joins, being observed at Christchurch at t p.m. on the 23rd. Those storms will be remembered by being associated with the close of the lloyal visit.

Although popularly diseribed and recognised as “equinoctial,” and not without some justification —lor there have have been in past years several notable storms about the time (u the equinox, the greatest one in 1918 causing the Raetihi bush fires —yet there is no apparent scientific reason for associating these disturbances with tho solar crossing of the Equator, and their occurrence must still be regarded as fortuitous.

Tho 281 h witnessed the passage of the trough of another westerly or antarctic “blow,” after wli'ich the barometer rose steadily, with strong southerly winds, bringing a cold snap. At the close of tho month there were some slight frosts, and snow was leit rather low down in the southern mountains.

‘Wit'll the exception of the East coasts of both islands, the rainfall was generally much above tho average. It was indeed excessive on the higher levels and tho southernmost parts ot tho South Island. Tho total fall for tho month at Arthur’c Pass was 36.12 in., of which 10..10in fell oil tho 23rd, and of this 8.32 'inches was registered in nine hours. Floods were reported in tho Waimakariri and other rivers on this account, and there was also a big flood in. Marlborough at this time. Tho westerlies were troublesome to o rob a relists. for apples in particular had not quite matured. The heat and dryness of summer, however, left warm soil on dwliich tho rains produce profuse and wonderful growth of autumn patpurage.