1622

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

[No. 45

Government Meteorological Observatory.

M ETEOROLOGICAL Observations at Kelburn, Wellington, for the Month of April, 1933. Observations taken at 9 a.m.

Altitude of Observatory, 415 ft.

Mean earth temperature at 1 ft., 58·3°; and at 3 ft., 60·5°. Number of rain days, 11.

DIRECTION OF WIND.

Gale (force 8 or more). Forces 4 to 7. Calm. N. N.E. E. S.E. S. S.W. W. N.W.

2 17 .. 3 3½ 1 .. 2½ 2½ 16

NOTE.—A fine mild month with strong squally north-westerly winds. Rainfall was 15 per cent. above the normal. Total bright sunshine, 182-5 hours, 55 per cent. of the possible, and one sunless day. Hail fell on the 24th and 25th. Lightning was observed on the 1st and 24th, and thunder was heard on the 24th. Mean dew-point at 9 a.m., 47-5°; and mean vapour pressure, 0-328 in.

NOTES ON THE WEATHER FOR APRIL, 1933.

General.—During the first part of April there was a predominance of fine and mild weather, but in the latter half there were frequent boisterous winds from a westerly or south-westerly quarter. An unusually cold spell for the time of year occurred on the 23rd and 24th. Heavy snow fell down to low levels on the ranges, and frosts were numerous and rather severe. It was not until the 28th that mild conditions returned. Though rainfall was below average over most of the North Island, the falls were well distributed, and stock and pastures have maintained unusually good condition. Milk yields were very well maintained until the cold weather set in, when there was a rapid falling off. On the east coast and in parts of the Wairarapa, however, the continued shortage of rain is being felt, and the cold, dry, westerly winds had a very exhausting effect on pastures. Winter feed is likely to be scarce. In the South Island Canterbury unfortunately missed most of the heavy rains. On the Plains there is an acute shortage of feed, and most turnip crops have been ruined by the effects of the drought and the ravages of the diamond-backed moth. In Marlborough conditions have improved somewhat, satisfactory rains having fallen and temperatures having remained sufficiently mild to permit some growth of vegetation. The remainder of the South Island experienced wet conditions, and the state of stock and pastures is generally satisfactory.

Rainfall.—Rainfall was very much below average over the greater part of the North Island. The Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay districts had less than half. A small area around Hamilton and the country surrounding the South Taranaki Bight, however, recorded more than the normal totals. In the South Island Canterbury was again unfortunate, dry conditions still persisting. Some stations once more experienced a shortage of more than 50 per cent. Over the remainder of the South Island the rainfall was above the average. A particularly wet month was experienced in Otago and Southland, the normal for April being more than doubled at many places.

Temperature.—Temperatures were slightly above normal over most of the North Island, but the reverse was the case in Taranaki. In the South Island coastal portions of Marlborough and Canterbury recorded temperatures slightly above normal, but over the remainder they were considerably below. From the 23rd onward there were many frosts, especially in the South Island.

Sunshine.—At most places more than the average amount of bright sunshine was experienced, but in parts of the South Island, especially the west coast and the south, there was a deficit. Napier, with 223-4 hours, had the best record.

Pressure Systems.—During the first part of the month the disturbed conditions experienced in March in the New Caledonia and New Hebrides region persisted with unabated intensity. On the 2nd a deep cyclone, which had developed in the area mentioned and moved southwards, was centred west of Cook Strait. There seemed a prospect of heavy general rains and very stormy conditions, but at this critical stage the cyclone began to fill up and move rapidly south-eastwards. Though strong winds and fairly general rain occurred, the heavy precipitation was confined principally to the mountain ranges and the western and southern portions of the South Island. By the 4th the weather was fine again.