THE WEATHER FOR APRIL.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 5, 15 May 1913, Page 554

THE WEATHER FOR APRIL.

As a general rule there was a preponderance of anticyclonic conditions, with' fair weather but three periods of unsettled weather occurred, the first between the 2nd and Bth, during the passage of an antarctic depression in the south; the second between the 12th and 15th, on account of a similar type, of depression, but of far greater intensity; and the third from the 26th to the end of the month, when two shallow ' depressions were in evidence. Of these, one apparently passed eastward of East Gape on the 26th, and the other was a “ westerly low,” which overspread the Dominion on the 29th. However, none of the above-mentioned disturbances was accountable for particularly heavy rains. The only districts with a total fall in excess of the average were Gisborne, South Canterbury, and Southland. All other parts of the Dominion recorded below the normal. DISTRICT NOTES. District Chiefly' from Telegraphic Reports. I, 2, 3. Fair and clear weather predominated, and the wind-force was slight during the month except on the Bth, 14th, and 26th. On the latter date high northerly winds were experienced accompanied with heavy rains. The total rainfall, however, was everywhere below the average, the difference ranging from 35 to 60 per cent. 4. • About 65 per cent, less than the average rain fell. On the few days on which it was recorded conditions were showery, no particularly heavy rain falling during the month. Fair and dry weather was the rule. 5. • The rainfall was about 35 per cent, below normal along the coast, but further inland a much greater deficiency was recorded. Very favourable weather was experienced. 6. Extremely dry weather prevailed, the aggregate rainfall only being about one- •’ seventh of the normal for April. 7. : Owing to heavy rain between the sth and Bth, and on the 27th, the total for the month greatly exceeded the average, in some cases by double. There were three short periods of wet and unsettled weather, but fair conditions , , .intervened. ,8. Excepting a few scattered stations where a slight excess was recorded, most parts of the district had less than the average rainfall by about 35 per cent. Between the 19th and 26th fair weather prevailed, and also on several shorter periods. The wind attained gale force on several days. 9. Sixty per cent. less than the average rain/ fell in this district. The first half of the month was somewhat unsettled, and temperatures w«re low at times. Snow fell on the higher levels on the 6th, and several hard frosts occurred inland. The last half of the month was mild and fine. ,10. Wait little rain fell was during the first half of the month, the total being about 30 per cent, below normal. Gales were reported on the 7th, Bth, and 14th, but usually the month was free from strong winds, the last few days being almost continuously calm. Very favourable weather-conditions prevailed.

D. C. BATES.

District. 11, 12, Precipitaion was only about half the average for April, there being an absence 13. of heavy rains except on the higher country on the 14th. Electrical conditions prevailed in parts about this date,'and strong winds. ' The month as a whole was fair, with a large amount of sunshine. Frosts were frequent in the first half of the month. 14. Very little rain fell in this district, the total being about 50 per cent, below the mean. Fine, bright days and cold nights with frosts were the rule. 15. Very heavy rain fell on the 13th, which brought the total up to more than the average generally. Several periods of unsettled and wet weather prevailed, but fair conditions predominated. " 16. On the 30th, and about the middle of the month, cold and unsettled conditions were experienced, and snow fell on the high levels. The remainder of the month was fine, with bright days and cold but sometimes foggy nights. Precipitation was usually about the normal. 1.7. The rainfall was slightly above the average owing to a heavy fall on the 13th. Snow also fell at this time, and also on the 16th. A considerable amount of dull weather was experienced with much mist and fog, but otherwise conditions were not unfavourable. 18. The northern portion of this district had considerably less than the average rainfall for the month, but elsewhere a slight excess was recorded. Heavy rain fell on the 13th and 30th, but between the 15th and 30th fine weather prevailed. The early portion of the month was cold and at times unsettled. - ' Frosts occurred on several occasions. 19. About the average or a slight excess was reported. Weather-conditions similar to district 18. 20. A fine month, with three short periods of unsettled conditions. A strong northwester veering to south-west gale brought heavy rain on the night of the 13th. Rainfall ’25 per cent. less than the average. Some sharp frosts were experienced. 21. Heavy rain on the 13th and 30th accounted for a slight excess of the average . rainfall. Snow fell on the higher levels on the 30th. Fine weather predominated during the month. 22, 23. During the greater part of the month fair weather prevailed, and about 50. per cent, less rain than the average was recorded. Squally conditions prevailed on the 13th. ■ ' 24. About the average rain fell in this district, the only remarkable fall occurring on the 30th. Weather similar to that experienced in districts 22 and 23. 25. Changeable and showery conditions ruled generally from the Ist to the 17th, heavy rain and sleet falling on the 13th. The rest of the month was fair except the last two days. Precipitation was above the average by from 20 to 40,per cent.