CHANGEABLE MAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19584, 8 June 1926, Page 7

CHANGEABLE MAY

ANTI-CYCLONE PERIODS MORE THAN USUAL BALNTALL. (Per Press WELLINGTON, June f. The Rev. D. C. Bates’ summary of the weather for May states: — The month of May was remarkable for the changeability of the weather. Barometric pressure had a high range of over one and three-quarters of an inch in the south, hnd great fluctuations occurred over the whole Dominion. There were three anti-cyclonic periods, culminating on 7th, 17th, and 31st, but between these areas of high pressure were several disturbances associated with .stormy conditions. . An extensive westerly depression ruled over the Dominion between the 2nd and 6th. The gradient was more severe in the north than in the south, and gales with heavy rain were reported, especially in and north of Cook Strait. A sudden and steep fall in the barometer on the 9th Accounted for the boisterous conditions and deluge on the West Coast. Pressure then continued low, and the weather unsettled for a week. An ex-tropical disturbance made its appearance to the north of New Zealand on the 17th, and travelling slowly south the centre apparently only passed (about Cook Strait on the 23rd. This, united with an Antarctic “low,” resulted in nearly a fortnight of bad weather. The rainfall was much above the average in almost all parts of the Dominion, but considering the turbulence of the atmosphere, and partly in consequence the temperaures were comparatively mild. There were a few sharp frosts, btu good autumn growth of grass was reported.