THE WEATHER.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 3, 15 March 1913, Page 349

THE WEATHER.

DISTRICT NOTES DURING FEBRUARY.

D. C. Bates.

District. ■ . Chiefly from Telegraphic Reports. 1. Bine weather predominated during the month, and the rainfall was slight, the percentage below the average, varying from 50 to over 90 per cent, in parts. 2, 4. The rainfall was everywhere below the average, ranging from 16 to as much as 65 per cent., the greater portion falling as showers between the 11th and 25th. No particularly heavy rain occurred, fair weather prevailing usually, and light to moderate westerly and northerly winds. Smoke haze from bush-fires was frequent. 3,5, 6. From 60 to 70 per cent, less than the average rain fell in these districts, the wet days occurring usually between the 18th and 28th. Fine and bright weather usually prevailed, although on several days , smoke haze was experienced. 7, 8. Very little rain fell in these two districts, the month being characterized by warm and dry weather. 9, 10. Although hazy and cloudy skies were frequent, fair and dry weather prevailed, less than the average rain falling by about 50 per cent. An electrical disturbance accompanied with heavy rain occurred in parts on the 21st, otherwise precipitation was in the nature of showers only. Northerly winds predominated, and, with the exception of a gale on the 13th, were of little force. 11, 12, The departure from the normal rainfall varied greatly in all the west coast 13. districts, some stations recording an excess and others less than the average. Heavy rain fell in parts on the 21st and 23rd, but usually the rainfall was of a showery nature. 14, 8. Most of the rain fell between the 20tb and 24th. and the total for the month was slightly less than the average. During the remainder of the month the weather was warm and dry. Electrical disturbances were experienced in parts on the 21st and 23rd. 15. About the average or slightly less than the average rainfall was recorded in this district. On the 13th a north-west storm was experienced, and heavy rain fell, but usually the wind was not of more than moderate force. Showers were frequent on the western slopes. - . . 16. Dull and showery weather was frequent, causing a rainfall slightly in excess of the average at most stations. High winds occurred on the 13th and 17th. 19-22. Most stations in these districts recorded more than the average rainfall for February, owing to two days heavy, rain—viz., the 21st and 23rd. The weather was changeable, with a temperature-range greater than usual. Several gales occurred during the month. ~ 23. Weather similar to district 22, but less than the average rain recorded. 24, 25. Cold, changeable, and showery weather was experienced, with several days of high winds. The total rainfall exceeded the average generally, but a few stations recorded slightly below. Summary. The most remarkable feature of the month is the number of westerly disturbances which have passed southwards of New Zealand, and’though the weather has in consequence been very unsettled in the southern province, yet only one disturbance of this nature, between the 10th and 14th, enveloped the whole Dominion. Snow fell on the 13th and 14th on high levels in the South. The wireless reports received daily from Macquarie Island have thrown quite a flood of light upon this occurrence of storms in high latitudes. A cyclonic, movement which passed through Cook Strait .on the 21st brought heavy rain in and southwards of Cook Strait, as well as snow in Mackenzie County, and some beneficial rain also fell in the North. During the month conditions were unusually warm and sultry in the North, but also misty and foggy at times in all parts of the Dominion.