TYPICAL SPRING MONTH

Southland Times, Issue 24872, 12 October 1942, Page 6

TYPICAL SPRING MONTH

SEPTEMBER WEATHER CHANGEABLE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 10. September was a typical spring month, according to a report issued by the Dominion Meteorologist. The weather was very changeable, with windy periods and frequent . showers. On the whole, however, conditions were not unpleasant east of the ranges. Stock are faring well. Lambing percentages are up to average or above and there have been very few losses because of adverse weather. Pasture growth is fairly good, but pastures have be.cn checked at times in the east by wind and frosts and elsewhere by lack of sunshine. Wheat and oat crops are doing well, especially on the heavier land. Rain days were numerous in all districts, but totals in eastern districts were not heavy. Even half the average was not reached near Gisborne in parts of southern Hawke’s Bay, near Blenheim and Timaru, and in parts of eastern Otago, including Dunedin. In western and northern districts, with only isolated exceptions, averages were exceeded. Percentage surpluses were greatest in the Taupo-Rotorua-Opotiki area, which received more than double the normal. Thunderstorm _ activity was fairly widespread, especially on September 23 and 24. On the latter date storms were accompanied by small whirlwinds near Kaitaia and at Woburn. As in the two preceding months mean temperatures were milder than normal. Departures of 1 degree or 2 degrees Fahrenheit were experienced in the Auckland Peninsula, Wellington Province, and on the east coast of the South Island. Elsewhere the deviations were less marked. Widespread snow showers occurred on September 10 and 11, followed by some hard frosts. Scattered snow fell on September 26 and 27.