APRIL WEATHER

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1929, Page 2

APRIL WEATHER

M ETEOBOLOGI ST’S SUAIAt ABA T . WELLINGTON. May G. The meteorological office report for April states that the general character of the weather experienced in April over the North Island and the northern and eastern districts of the South Island may be described as dull and moist, with, in most districts, an absence of strong winds, in AYestland, Otago, and Southland, on the other nnil, it was fine, clear and pleasant for the greater part of the month. The total rainfall was below the noimal over the South Island, except in the north-east portion, and deficiencies were recorded also in the central districts of tlm North Island. In the .Marlborough and Nelson provinces the if a! Is considerably exceeded the average, as also was the case in the northern’and eastern districts of the North Island.

Although tbe temperatures were slightly below normal, there were no extremes, and frosts were few and usually of only slight intensity. - s a result, the growth of pasture was remarkable in all districts for the time olf the year. Prospects of good supplies of feed in the winter therefore, were everywhere bright. Stock have kept in good condition, but the soft state of the grass owing to excessive moisture, prevented the fattening of sheep. In some parts of the North Island and in parts of Hawke’s Bay it has caused scouring and liver fluke among hoggets. A characteristic of the month has been the frequency with which cyclones controlled the meteorological situation, and tbe almost total absence of the westerly type off pressure distribution. Two of the cyclones bad noteworthy features, and may he briefly described. The first, which was the one which caused the serious floods in Tasmania, moved very slowly in a north-cast direction across the Tasman and by April 8 was centred between Norfolk island and Capo Maria van Diemen, where it remained stationary for several days. On April Uit passed cast of Capo Maria van Diemen and then moved gradually southwards of t,iie cast coast until April 14. Fiom April 8 to the latter date much dull, misty weather prevailed. The temperatures were mild until April 13, after which a southerly wind became general and the temperatures fell rapidly. Rain was fairly widespread during this period and many heavy falls occurred in tbe northern and east coast districts of the North Island borne flooding was • experienced in the East Cape area. On April 2Z another cyclonic disturbance developed south-west of Norfolk Island. It increased rapidly m extent and intensity as it moved smithwards find by April 28 the pressure bad fallen below 29 inches at many places in New Zealand. Special warnings of stormy weather and the likelihood of flood rains were issued on Jus date. The movement of the storm centre was slow until the morning of April 29, when it was situated west of Farewel Spit. Thereafter it moved rapidly across the northern portion of the South Island, and by the evening ot April 30 had disappeared to the southeastwards oif Chatham Island. General henvv rains were associated with the disturbance and considerable flooding resulted in Nelson and Alarlborough districts. In Nelson city the flood was the worst experienced m tbe past twenty years. ' „ , _ T Over the northern half of tbe North Island strong north-east to northerly gales were experienced generally. However, the winds were less severe than might have been expeted in view of the fact that the cyclone was one of tbe most intense experienced in recent years.