WEATHER IN MAY

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 217, 9 June 1943, Page 3

WEATHER IN MAY

Mainly Dry And Cold

“May was mainly dry and cold,” says the Director of Meteorological Services in his notes on the weather. “Afler the cold spell at the close of the mouth most growth has ceased. Pasture grass is short and feeding out has commenced in most districts. Conditions have been favourable for agricultural work. “Except in the Gisborne district and in the extreme south-west, rainfalls everywhere were less than average, there being ninny large deficiencies. From mitl-Can-terbury to Oamaru totals were often below a quarter of the normal figure for May. From the 15th to thb end of the month no rain whatever fell over most of Westland, but persistent rain in the East Cape area during this period contributed largely ta totals approaching double the average between Waikaremoana and Tolaga liny. “Mean temperatures were below normal generally and departures exceeding Sdeg. Fah. occurred at Hastings, Blenheim and Hokitika and at the first two places it was the coldest May on record. Persistent southerly winds and many sharp frosts were experienced in most parts of the country. Snow fell in the ranges on several occasions and on the “Glh extended to' some of the foothills of Wellington and Hawke’s Bay. “Sunshine was appreciably above average. in Taranaki and. Nelson and was exceptionally good in Westland, Hokitika having a record duration. Near the east coast values were slightly less than normal.” • *