COLDEST YEAR SINCE 1905.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20099, 1 December 1930, Page 15

COLDEST YEAR SINCE 1905.

LOW TEMPERATURES IN NOVEMBER. GROWTH STILL BACKWARD. For the period January to November, both months Inclusive, 1930 has beon the coldest year since 1905. "The fact that we have had a series of months with temperatures below normal is rather striking," begins a weather report for November issued by the Magnetic Observatory, Christchi<reh. "Actually the. series of eold temperatures began in the middle of last year, if the importance of the sole exception, October, 1929 (which had practically normal temperature), is discounted. An investigation of the figures for tlio period January-Novem-ber from 1905 until the present date shows that for the period covered 1930 is the coldest year. Other eold years were 1905 and 1912.'' Growth Still Backward. Every month of 1930 so far has shown a temperature below the average, and November has been no exception. The average temperature for the month was 53.3 degrees F., compared with an average for November of 55.9 degrees F. The rainfall was slightly below the average . (l.lSOin, compared with 1.781 in). There were eight ground frosts; none of them was severe, although one or two brought plums off the trees before they could set, and did other minor damage to vegetation. Growth is still backward because of lack of rain, sunshin?, and warmth. The rainfall to date is about Sin below normal.

Following is a summary of metcoro* logical observations taken daily at 9.30 a.m. during November at the Magnetic Observatory. The figures given for mean temperature, maximum temperatures, and total rainfall do not includo the readings for the last day, which was not completed when these tables were prepared. At the most any change caused by their inclusion will produce very slight increases in the figures concerned. Barometer. Mean i'or month .. . - L!y.tS94in Highest reading (28th) .. 30.522 in Lowest reading (23rd) - ■ "D.lllin Range . . . . . ■ 1.411 in Temperatures in Shade. Approximate mean for month 53.3 F. Highest temperature (30th) 75.3 F. Lowest temperature (24th) 35.1 F. Mean maximum 61.6 F. Mean minimum . . 44.7 F. Exposed Thermometers. Mean maximum (in sun) - I;'' F. Highest reading (15th) • - '32 F. Mean minimum on grass • • 35.9 F. Lowest reading (17th) • 25.1 F. Moisture. Total rainfall for 29 days . l.lSOin Number of days rain recorded 9 Heaviest fall (23rd) . ■ 0.57iu Mean amount of cloud (0-10) 7.'J