THE WEATHER.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 2, 15 February 1913, Page 252

THE WEATHER.

DISTRICT NOTES FOR JANUARY.

D. C. Bates.

District. Chiefly from Telegraphic Reports. 1, 3. High north-east winds and heavy rain fell on the Ist and sth, but generally the month was unusually dry, with fair and warm weather ruling. An electrical disturbance was experienced in. parts on the 28th. The rainfall was considerably below the average of previous years. ■ 2. The northern portion of this district recorded less than the average rainfall, but in the south the total fall was in excess. Most of the rain fell in the beginning and towards the end of the month. From the 7th to the 25th very little rain fell, and the weather was fair and warm. 4. Rainfall above the average-by from 15 to over 50 per cent., particularly heavy rain falling on the Ist.. A severe thunderstorm occurred in parts on the 3rd and again on the 28th. The weather on the whole was fine, precipitation taking place mostly at night. 5. Inland in this district precipitation was above the mean by about 25 per cent., but along the coast less than the usual amount was recorded. Weatherconditions were similar to that in districts 1 and 3. 6. The rainfall was slightly in excess of the average of previous years, the greater proportion falling during the first week. The weather was fair and seasonably warm. 7, 8. Extremely warm weather was experienced, and the rainfall was under the average by about 50 per cent. A cold snap occurred on the 27th and 28th, and on the morning of the latter day a frost was reported at several stations. Snow fell on the mountain-ranges on the 28th. On the 9th and 27th electrical disturbances were experienced. 9, 10. Both these districts recorded a rainfall in excess of the average, the mean percentage above being about 55. The first and last weeks were unsettled, but warm and dry conditions prevailed, with northerly winds, during the remaining portion of the month. On the 14th and between the 18th and 21st high north-west winds were experienced. The heaviest rainfall occurred on the 6th, 21st, and 27th. y 11, 12, Changeable and showery weather prevailed throughout the month, there being 13. only about nine days on which no rain was recorded to the southward of Westport. Northward, rainy days were not so frequent, although the total fall was usually in excess of the average. The departure from normal greatly varied, but the percentage was generally above by from 10 to over 100 per cent, in the south. From the 18th to the 21st frequent showers of hail were reported. 14. Very heavy rain fell on the 6th, which brought the total for the month in . advance of the average fall by from 15 to 40 per cent. Otherwise there were but few wet days, between the Bth and 26th especially being practically . rainless. Fine weather predominated. 15. A month of strong north-west winds, frequent gales being experienced. Changeable and showery weather prevailed, but the rainfall was less than the average by about 20 per cent. 1(\ Fair and warm weather prevailed. The rainfall was 20 per cent, below the mean for January. 17 Fair weather predominated, but showers were frequent, causing a total fall for the month in excess of the average by from 15 to 30 per cent.

19-24. All the east-coast districts recorded above the average rainfall, the excess ranging from 20 to over 100 per cent, in parts. Some very warm weather was experienced, a far station in Canterbury recording over 90 per cent, in the shade on several occasions. Electrical disturbances occurred in scattered areas on the 9th, 10th, and 27th. 25. Though warm, dull and showery weather prevailed, and strong westerly winds were frequent during the month. The rainfall was nearly everywhere above the average. • ; Summary. As a rule warm and fair weather was in the ascendant over the Dominion between the 6th and 21st, except in'the west coast districts of the South Island, where showery and changeable conditions were experienced throughout the month. The rainfall was below the average in the Auckland and Hawke’s Bay Districts, but elsewhere, owing to several days of good soaking rain, principally on the 6th, 21st, and 27th, the total for the month exceeded the average. On the night of the 6th the centre of a cyclonic system.passed through Cook'Strait, and a disturbance of a similar nature but of greater intensity passed in the same vicinity on the 27th. Both these atmospheric disturbances brought beneficial and general rains. Several westerly areas of low pressure passed in the South during the month, and one, on the 14th, was of unusual intensity; but although heavy north-west gales were experienced at this time little rain accompanied it.