THE WEATHER FOR MAY.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 6, 16 June 1913, Page 680

THE WEATHER FOR MAY.

D. C. Bates.

The barometer was below the average during the greater part of the month, and the exceedingly low reading of 28’48 in. was recorded on the 19th at the Bluff, being only one-hundredth above the record for New Zealand? The readings from Adelie Land and Macquarie Island were not so low, and the whole disturbance bore the character of a vast cyclone in high latitudes. Anticyclonic conditions with fair weather ruled at the close of the month.

Strong southerly winds were prevalent with cold and boisterous weather, except in the Bay of Plenty and Nelson districts, which are somewhat sheltered from these winds.

4 z , .*•* The ' total rainfall during the month was, not excessive, except hi the southern portion of the North Island and parts of the east coast and southern districts' of the South Island. District. Chiefly from Telegraphic Reports. 1,2, 3. The month was cold and showery, with stormy conditions ruling during the first half, but no particularly heavy rainfalls were recorded, the total being about 35 per cent, below the average in districts Nos. 1 and 3, but only slightly under the average in No. 2. 4. Cold southerly winds predominated, attaining gale force on numerous occasions during the first three weeks. . A severe thunderstorm was experienced at many -places on the 10th, accompanied by a, heavy fall of . hail, the latter in some cases being reported as large as peas. Some stations also had extremely heavy rainfalls on the 19th and 20th. The aggregate, however, was usually about 30 per cent, lower than the mean May fall. 1 '■ , \ 5. Rainfall was less than the average by from 40 to 60 per cent. Cloudy weather was frequent, with occasional showers, but conditions were not generally so unfavourable as in those districts more exposed to the southerly winds which prevailed during the month. 6. During the greater portion of the month cold and showery, and at times boisterous, weather prevailed. Snow fell frequently on the high land. The last week was more favourable, although cold with frosty nights. About 35 per cent, less than the average rain was recorded. 7, 8. Rainfall was considerably below the average in both these districts, being • ■ chiefly of.a showery nature. Fair weather predominated, especially in the • latter,. portion of the months , Some .hard-.frosts were experienced during the last week. ’ r . " 9, 10. During the first half of the month conditions were extremely boisterous, high winds and heavy rains being frequent. The heaviest rain generally occurred on- the Ist, when some stations, especially in the extreme south of the North Island, recorded extraordinary falls. At Wellington on this day the total for the twenty-four hours was 5-70 in., but this was exceeded at Wainuiomata, where 9-93 in. were recorded in nineteen hours. At ' - ’ ' the latter station this was the amount actually measured, but the total • should be more than this, the rain-gauge having become flooded afterwards.

District. 11, 12, Cold and showery weather prevailed, with the exception of a few short periods 13. of clear conditions. Snow fell on the higher levels on the 10th and 21st, and electrical disturbances occurred at many places on the 20th and 21st. . Precipitation was everywhere below the average, the deficiency ranging between 20 and 50 per cent. 14. The weather was cold though usually fine, and frosts were almost of daily occurrence. Fifty per cent, below the normal rain was recorded. . 15. The rainfall was below the average, the difference varying considerably. Several short periods of fair weather were experienced, but cold and showery conditions prevailed, with snow at times. . 16, 17. About the average rain fell, in some cases slightly above. Dull and cold weather predominated, and snow fell on the 10th at many places. 18. From the beginning to the 20th of the month very boisterous conditions were the rule, with cold and at times high southerly winds. On the Ist and 10th very heavy rain fell, causing an excess of the average at most stations in the total for the month. Snow fell on the hilly country on the Ist, 10th, and 11th. Frosts were frequent. 19. Cold and boisterous weather prevailed in the first half of the month, and much rain fell during this period. In the latter half more-favourable conditions were experienced, but temperatures were usually, below the mean, and frosts were numerous. The rainfall was double the average in some cases. 20. About 30 per cent, above the average rainfall was recorded, most of it falling during the first eleven days. Fair to cloudy and cold weather prevailed for the remainder of the month, and some hard frosts were experienced. 21, 22. Rainfall slightly in excess of the average. Weather similar to district No. 20. 23. The beginning of the month .was stormy, and unsettled conditions continued until about the 15th, after which conditions improved. Snow fell inland on the Ist. The aggregate rainfall was below the average by about 15 per . cent. ' 24, 25. The. month was characterized by very cold and wet weather throughout, no particularly heavy rainfalls occurring- but the number of wet days was excessive. -