WEATHER IN APRIL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 11

WEATHER IN APRIL

EFFECT ON STOCK REPORT BY DR. KIDSON During the first part of April there was a predominance of fine and mild weather, but in the latter half there v ere frequent boisterous winds from a westerly or south-westerly quarter, states Dr. E. Kidson, Director of Meteorological Services, in his report for April. An unusually cold spell for the time of year occurred ou April 23 and 24. Heavy snow fell to low levels on the ranges, and frosts were rumerous and rather severe. It was not until April 28 that mild conditions returned. Though rainfall was below average over most of the North Island, the falls were well distributed, and stock and pastures have maintained unusually good condition. Milk yields were very well maintained until the cold weather set in, when there was a rapid falling off. On the east coast and in parts of the Wairarapa, however, the continued shortage of rain is being felt, and the cold, dry, westerly winds had a very exhausting effect on pastures. Winter feed is likely to be scarce. In the South Island, Canterbury unfortunately missed most of the heavy rains. On the Plains there is an acute shortage of feed, and most turnip crops have been ruined by the effects of the drought and the ravages of the diamond-backed moth. In Marlborough conditions have improved somewhat, satisfactory rains having fallen and temperatures having remained sufficiently mild to permit some growth of vegetation. The remainder of the South Island experienced wet conditions, and the state of stock and pastures is generally satisfactory. Rainfall was very much below average over the greater part of the North Island. The Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay districts had less than half. A small area around Hamilton and the country surrounding the South Taranaki Bight, however, recorded more than the normal totals. In the South Island, Canterbury was again unfortunate, dry conditions still persisting. Some stations once more exi perieneed a shortage of more than 50 per cent. Over the remainder of the South Island, the rainfall was above the average. A particularly wet month was experienced in Otago and Southland, the normal for April being more than doubled at many places. Temperatures were slightly above normal over most of the North Island, but th" reverse was the case in Tarawa •• ’ the South Island, coastal p' '' Marlborough and Canterbt!»; •r<led temperatures slightly above normal, but over we remainder they were considerably below. From April 23 onward there were many fiosts, especially in the South Island. At most places more than the average amount of bright sunshine was experienced, but in parts of the South Island, especially the west coast and the south, there was a deficit. Napier with 223.4 hours, had the best record. The outstanding feature of the month was a very intense anti-cyclone which covered the whole of Australia, practically continuously, from April 12 to 26. Anti-cyclones of this type are not unusual in the autumn, but seldom so early as this. The consequence of this high pressure to the westward was that New Zealand experienced a severe spell of westerly weather. From April 14 to '27 there was scarcely a day without strong and squally winds from a westerly quarter.