METEOROLOGIST’S REVIEW

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1928, Page 1

METEOROLOGIST’S REVIEW

MONTH OF FKBBUAKY. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON. March 5. The weather summary for February by the Director of the Government Meteorological' Office, mentions that the month began with the Dominion in the throes of one of the driest spells experienced for many years, but after the first week, the prospects «f rain began to improve gradually, each successive pressure disturbance causing more widespread rain than its predecessor. On the 21st conditions became definitely favourable, and rain though still far from general, and in most cases only light, fell over large parts of both islands. This type of weather changed completely thenceforward, and general rains fell on 23rd. 2-lth and 20th and 27th. From the 21th, there was a considerable drop in the temperature. Snow fell on many of the mountain areas, especially in the South Island, during the 20th and 27th. As far as the monthly totals are concerned, the rain of the latter end caused Februrfry to lose much of its droughty character, though the first three weeks were almost everywhere very dry. Moderate to heavy falls were experienced generally during last week, and scattered places, especially in the North Island, received more than tho average. Deficiencies were most serious in Taranaki and Nelson Provinces, and in parts of Manawatu. On the "West Coast of the South Island from Greymouth southwards, most places seem to have had more than the normal February fall. The winds have been light on the whole, but strong southerlies prevailed, more especially from Cook Strait northwards. On the 27th and 2Sth gales were reported from many parts 1 of the North Island. The absence of I wind mitigated considerably the clients I of the drought. In the early part of' the month, the temperatures were gen-| orally above normal, and fruit, grain, and outer crops ripened well. The heat, however, increased the deleterious effect of the dry conditions on the pastures. 'l’ender crops were cut in parts of the North Island in a frost which occurred on the morning of the 29th, in clear weather, following cold southerly winds. There has been a considerable falling off in the milk yields, but with good rains and further warm weather in March, a partial recovery is expected. Fat lambs have not come on as expected in some parts, hut sheep on the whole appear to have stood the drought remarkably well. The season continues in the main, therefore, to be a good one.