Christchurch Rainier In 1965 Than Dunedin

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 16

Christchurch Rainier In 1965 Than Dunedin

Christchurch had slightly more rain than Dunedin last year, and less sunshine than Wellington, but there were many fewer days in Christchurch than in Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin on which rain fell. Christchurch had 29.07 in of rain, as against Dunedin's |2B.7in. Auckland had 57.76 in and Wellington 58.51 in. ; Christchurch had 122 rain days, Wellington 165, Auck- | land 182, and Dimedin 187. I Auckland led in sunshine I with 2111 hours, followed by ' Wellington (2033), Christchurch (1943) and Dunedin ; (1583). The figures are supplied by the weather office at Christchurch airport. More rain fell during the year in Christchurch than normal, but temperatures and sunshine were about average. Worst In 20 Years Last year’s winter was very unsettled and cold—the worst for 20 years. There were frequent cold

southerlies with rain, hail, sleet, and even snow. These persisted, although with decreasing frequency, up to the end of the year—a particularly vicious one striking the country between Christmas and New Year, although Christchurch fared much better than most parts of New Zealand.

Several warm spells were also recorded in Christchurch, there being 20 occasions during the year when the temperature exceeded 80 degrees, the highest being 90 degrees on December 15. The coldest night was on July 4 when the temperature fell to six degrees below freezing point. These extremes of temperature, however, produced a mean figure almost exactly normal.

Sunshine was only 50 hours down on the average. There were four thunderstorms during the year—two in February and two in November. Three of these were accompanied by hail. Snow fell on four days, with a paricularly late fall on October 7. None lay for long in the city area, however. More wind than usual was experienced throughout the year, and there were four gales. The highest gust of wind was 67 miles an hour, which accompanied a severe squall which passed over Christchurch at 3 p.m. on April 26.