Notes on the Weather

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 9, 1876, Page xxvi

Notes on the Weather Jone.—Wet unpleasant weather generally throughout; rain greatly in excess at most of the Southern Stations. A severe westerly gale passed over the islands on 23rd and 24th, the barometer falling in some places to 28.548. Thunder and hail frequently occurred, and some hard frosts, also snow. Earthquake reported by Observer at Wellington on 28th, at 6.32 p.m., slight. July.—Generally fine weather for the time of year. At some of the Northern Stations rain in excess, but otherwise below the average. Some severe frosts experienced in the South, and frequent snow. No gales of any note occurred. Earthquakes are reported by Observers at Napier, Taranaki, Wanganui, Wellington, Cape Campbell, Christchurch and Hokitika on 19th, about 4.15 a.m., generally smart, and in some cases preceded by noise. At Napier, on 20th, there was also a slight shock. By telegram, reports were received from the following stations of the shock felt on 19th, at 4.15a.m.:—Tarawera (also on 20th), Wairoa, Napier, Waipawa, Patea, Porangahau, Wanganui, Foxton, Greytown, Upper Hutt, Havelock, Blenheim, Inspich, and Lyttelton; considerable damage done at some places. August.—Fine weather for time of year. On 4th and 5th a severe S.W. gale was experienced at most of the stations north and south. On the whole, the rain was below the average. Earthquakes are reported by Observer at Wellington, on 7th, at 3 a.m. slight tremble; and at Bealey, on 14th, at 8.4 p.m., smart, S.W. to N.E., 5 seconds. September.—The weather generally for this period was wet and stormy, the rainfall being greatly in excess, especially in the South and on West Coast. Strong South and North-west winds prevailed, often amounting to gales, with heavy rain. Very low barometer during middle of month, when the maxamum rain occurred. Earthquakes reported by Observers, at New Plymouth on 23rd, at 8.2 p.m., slight, at Wellington on 3rd, 12.16 a.m., smart, and at 5 a.m., slight; also on 13th, at 2 a.m., slight, and 25th, at 8 p.m., slight. By Telegraph Department, at New Plymouth, same time and date as above, described as heavy, E. to W., lasting 15 seconds, preceded by rumbling. At Hawke Bay, on 28th, at 6 p.m., heavy shake, travelling N. and S.; at Havelock, on 28th, at 6 a.m., slight. October.—The weather throughout during this month extremely fine and pleasant for the time of year, approaching more to spring, the temperature of all the stations being higher than the average for the same period, at many places reaching over 4° higher. The winds were moderate, and chiefly from N.E. In some localities the want of rain was much felt. High barometer reading prevailed. Earthquake at Queenstown on 24th, at 2.3 a.m., N.W. to S.E. November.—Generally showery during this period throughout, though the total fall of rain is about the average for same month in previous years. Frequent thunderstorms occurred. At Auckland, on the 12th, there was a violent S.W. gale, extending over a large area; also, on 4th, at the same place, a whirlwind passed near the Observatory, doing considerable damage: no disturbance in barometer observed in either case. The temperature throughout in excess, and at times very hot weather was experienced for the time of year. Earthquake reported at Queenstown on 21st, at 6.45 a.m., with rumbling noise. December.—Unsettled and showery generally; at times fine and bright; the rain fell at most stations in excess of the average; low atmospheric pressure throughout, and the temperature rather low for the time of year; occasional thunder storms; wind generally strong. Earthquake reported by Observers at Napier, on 7th, slight, at 12.45 p.m.; and at Wanganui, on same day, at 11.30 p.m., slight.