THE WEATHER IN MAY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23963, 2 June 1943, Page 5

THE WEATHER IN MAY

TEMPERATURES BELOW NORMAL The weather during last month was marked by the low temperatures which prevailed, according to observations made at the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory. The mean temperature was the lowest since 1914, being 45,15 degrees Fahrenheit, compared with the average of 47.46 degrees. The mean grass minimum temperature was also below normal, 19 frosts being recorded, as against an average for the month of 15. The heaviest of these frosts was 11.6 degrees, which was the hardest recorded in May since 1938. Like the two previous autumn months, May had a low rainfall (nearly 50 per cent, below normal). Details of observations taken are as follows:—Barometer: Mean for month, 30.025 inches; highest reading (on May 28), 30.587 inches; lowest reading (on May 7), 29.297 Inches. Temperature in shade: Mean for month, 45.15 degrees; highest reading (or May 14), 64.3 degrees; lowest reading (on May 25), 27.7 degrees. Temperature exposed: Mean minimum on grass, 30.63 degrees: lowest reading (on May 25). 20.4 degrees. Moisture: Mean daily amount of cloud (0.10), 6.4; total rainfall, 1.34 inches; number of rainy days, nine; heaviest fail (on May 8). 0.46 inches. Sunshine: Total for month, 124,6 hours; mean daily amount, 4.0 hours.