Notes on the Weather during 1875.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 8, 1875, Unnumbered Page

Notes on the Weather during 1875. January.—On the whole, fine pleasant summer weather; the rainfall is over the average for the same period in previous years, but fell principally in the early and latter parts of the month; wind prevailed from the westward, and with few exceptions was moderate; at times extremely warm weather was experienced. Earthquakes reported at Napier on 18th, at 1 a.m., slight; and at Wellington on the 4th, at 6.30 p.m., also slight. February.—Exceedingly dry weather throughout the Colony for this period. Temperature in excess of the average for the same month previous years; winds moderate and changeable. Aurora visible in south on 27th. March.—Except at Nelson, Bealey, and Hokitika, the rainfall has been generally under the average, and strong equinoctial gales occurred between 19th and 24th, with barometer down to 29°.1. High barometer throughout, on the 10th reaching 30°.666, fine dry weather. Earthquakes reported on the 7th at Foxton, Wanganui, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, and Christchurch, about 5.18 a.m., generally described as sharp; also on the 18th at Wellington at 5.13 p.m., smart. Meteor seen in the south on 21st, direction W. to E. April.—Very small rainfall for this period, at some stations considerably below the average. The temperature throughout was much higher than usual; and a high atmospheric pressure prevailed, on the 9th reaching to 30°.770 inch at sea level, with fine, bright, pleasant weather. The winds were moderate and generally easterly. Altogether remarkably fine and mild for the time of year. Earthquakes reported by observers:—Wellington, 19th, at 3 a.m., slight; through the Manager Telegraph Department:—at Opotiki and Maketu on 14th, at about 2.30 a.m., strong; and on 17th at Wairoa, Hawke Bay, at 7.15 a.m., smart; also on 25th at Wanganui at 11.5 p.m., long and smart. May.—The rainfall at nearly all the stations was excessive for this period, and the degree of moisture higher than usual. Wind prevailed from S.W., and some strong gales occurred, with thunder, hail, and snow. Earthquakes, at Wellington on 12th, at 10.30 a.m., slight; at Blenheim on 24th, at 4.45 p.m., very smart; and at the Hutt, Wellington, same date, slight, at 5 p.m. June.—Strong south-westerly winds prevailed throughout, with a very heavy rainfall; on the 4th and 5th a very severe gale was felt at most of the stations, but especially in Canterbury, where the wind and floods caused considerable damage. July.—Generally dull showery weather during this month, with westerly

winds, often stormy; severe gales occurred at Auckland on 4th from S.W., and at Hokitika on 11th and 12th, from the same quarter. Earthquakes reported by observers at Wanganui on 4th, at 2 a.m., rather heavy; and Southland on 23rd, at 4.15 a.m., sharp. By telegraph, on 4th, Wanganui, as above; and on 23rd at Queenstown, at 4.15 a.m.; Invercargill and Riverton, at 4.30 a.m., smart shock with noise. August.—Westerly winds prevailed during this period, but no storms of any note are recorded. The rainfall throughout is about the average. The temperature is rather lower than usual for the time of year. On the whole the weather may be considered as seasonable. Earthquakes reported by telegram at Foxton on 20th, at 6.15 a.m., lasting about fifteen seconds; at Wellington, by observer, on 25th, slight, at 7.30 p.m. September.—Rainfall in the north was in excess of the average for the same month in previous years; but in the south it was generally less than usual. The temperature was throughout below the average. Westerly winds prevailed generally, and on the whole moderate. Earthquakes were reported by observers at Napier, Wellington, and Queenstown on 5th, at 11.15 p.m., slight; at Nelson on 18th, in the forenoon, smart; at Nelson and Wellington on 25th, at about 6 p.m., smart, with noise; also at Blenheim and Havelock, same date and time, by telegraph; at Wellington, by observer, and at Blenheim and Havelock on 28th, at about 1.30 a.m., sharp, with noise; two sharp shocks also reported by telegram at Havelock on 21st, at 6.28 and 6.55 p.m., with noise. The observer at Cape Campbell reports shocks occurring on 19th, 20th, 22nd, 25th, and 28th. October.—Very wet unpleasant weather experienced during this period, the rainfall at most places being excessive; strong westerly winds prevailed, and frequent gales; very severe for time of year. November.—A severe, wet, and stormy month for the time of year; rain very much in excess; temperature below the average, and low barometer readings. Wind prevailed from the westward generally, and gales were of frequent occurrence, accompanied often with thunder and lightning. December.—Excessive rain almost throughout, with prevailing westerly winds. Early and latter part of the month generally stormy; frequent thunderstorms occurred; temperature higher than usual for the time of year; sultry and oppressive weather prevailing during middle period; the low barometer reading recorded on the 8th, 29°.300; was followed by a strong westerly wind, with rain. Earthquakes were reported by Queenstown observer as occurring at that place on 13th, at 6 a.m.; and 15th, at 11 a.m., both slight.