THE WEATHER FOR JUNE.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VII, Issue 1, 15 July 1913, Page 96

THE WEATHER FOR JUNE.

D. C. Bates.

On the whole June, meteorologically the first month of winter, was favoured with fair, though during the first half somewhat changeable, weather ; consequently the rainfall was nearly everywhere less than normal. In the North Island this deficiency averaged 57 per cent., while in the South the difference was about 41 per cent. Southland was the only district that approximated the mean to any extent, and a few stations here exceeded it slightly. During the month New Zealand was affected by four well-defined types of pressure-distribution, each accounting for different weather-conditions. A cyclonic system passed in the South on the night of the 2nd, bringing general rain about that date. Two moderate westerly lowpressure areas ruled, the first between the 4th and 10th, and the second from the 15th to the 19th. Squally and changeable conditions were experienced with passing showers, especially in western districts. The remaining types were anticyclones, two, between the 10th and 14th and the 22nd and 25th respectively, being centred to the southward, brought cold easterly winds to the east coast districts. From the 25th to the close of the month normal anticyclonic conditions with fine and bright weather prevailed.

DISTRICT NOTES. , District . Chiefly from Telegraphic Reports. 1. Some heavy rain fell in various parts of this district on the night of the 19th, but generally precipitation was of a showery nature, mostly falling in the first half of the month. In the latter half fair weather predominated. The total rainfall was slightly below the average in the extreme north, the deficiency ‘increasing southwards to as much as 60 per cent. 2,3. The month was an unusually dry one, the aggregate rainfall ranging from 50 to 65 per cent, below the average. Strong winds were experienced on the 2nd, 6th, and 14th, most of the rain falling about these dates ; but usually the weather was fair and, towards the end of the month,, fine and clear. 4. From 40 to 60 per cent, less than the normal rainfall was recorded. During the first nine days conditions were unsettled and wet, but the remaining portion of the month was characterized by fair weather. Several hard frosts occurred in the last week. '■ ■ 5, 6. Much dull weather prevailed until the 16th, with showery conditions between the Ist and 9th, but afterwards fine weather continued to the close of the month,

District. - . 7, 8. Less than half the average rainfall 'was recorded, the month being unusually free from days of heavy rain. Cold south-easterly winds and showery conditions prevailed between the 10th and 16th, and light showers were also recorded on several other days, but with a predominance of fair weather and cold frosty nights. 9. Most of the rain fell during the first week, after which fair weather prevailed, with light and variable winds. Several foggy days were experienced, and frosts on numerous occasions. Rainfall was 50 per cent, less than the average. 10. With the exception of a few days in the early part of the month, and again on the 22nd and 23rd, the weather during June was very favourable for a winter month. From 45 to 75 per cent, less rain than the average was recorded. High winds occurred on the 3rd, 9th, 23rd, and 24th, and frosts on several occasions. fl, 12. The total rainfall was slightly below the normal for June.. Boisterous weather with heavy rain was experienced on the Ist, 2nd, Bth, and ' in parts on the 18th, but fair weather prevailed generally in the latter half of the month, fine and bright conditions ruling from the 20th, from when until the close of the month some severe frosts were recorded. . 13. About or slightly in excess of the average rain fell in this district. The weather proved cold and showery, gales being of frequent occurrence between the Ist and the 20th of the month. 14. Heavy rain fell on the Ist, and unsettled conditions ruled until the 10th, after which decidedly improved weather continued, with the exception of two days, until the close of the month. Precipitation was slightly over half the average. ' 15. Unsettled weather prevailed between the Ist and Bth, and again between the 16th and 19th. On the Bth some stations reported over 4 in. of rain, but days with heavy rain were few, accounting for a total fall slightly below the average. Much fair weather was experienced, with very low night temperatures. ► 16. The western mountainous half of this district experienced a few days of heavy rain, but the aggregate fall was slightly below the average. The eastern portion had considerably less than the usual rainfall, some stations recording as much as 70 per cent, below. Generally, the month was one of fair weather, with bright days and cold nights. 17. The departure from the normal rainfall varied in this district, some of the high stations reporting an excess, but usually the total was only slightly below. Some dull weather prevailed in the early part, but from the loth onward, fair weather was the general rule. 18. Fair weather prevailed during the greater part of the month,, the only unsettled period being the first week and about the 22nd. No particularly heavy rain fell, and the total was about 65 per cent, under the average. , ■. 19-24. Rainfall was below normal in all these districts, the difference averaging about 50 per cent. No remarkable rainfalls were experienced, and with the exception of three boisterous days after the Bth the month proved very fair. Frosts were registered nearly every night, the most severe happening on the 15th and towards the close'of the month. ' 25. Changeable and showery conditions prevailed, interspersed with a few days of fair weather. The total rainfall was about the average for June, and in some cases slightly in excess.

Agricultural Show Dates. — Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Palmerston North, sth 6th, and 7th November. During the month of June 1,296 farmers inspected the Ruakura Farm of Instruction.