29 AUGUST NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 3679

THE WEATHER IN NEW ZEALAND IN JUNE 1986

General—June was drier and sunnier than usual in most eastern regions of both islands.

South-westerlies prevailed over the North Island with their highest frequency in June for 15 years. North-westerlies were predominant over the South Island, and there were more strong winds than usual. Mean sea level pressures were below average over much of New Zealand, being almost 5 hPa below the normal for June at Invercargill.

Many farmers noted muddy pasture conditions this month, except for those in east coast regions from Gisborne to South Canterbury. In some parts of Hawkes Bay there was a general shortage of feed, and stock condition was only satisfactory. Over the remainder of New Zealand stock were reported to be in good condition. Grass growth was minimal throughout most of the country this month.

Snow—Ample amounts of early snow were noted at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables ski fields on the 7th.

Snow fell to low levels in Southland, Otago and Canterbury, and on the high country over the rest of the South Island and southern half of the North Island, in very cold southerly conditions on the 15th. Snow depths of up to 15 cm were reported on some Central Otago roads, and vehicles were stranded. Snow also fell near the summit of the Rimutaka road just north of Wellington. Nine trucks and a bus with 26 passengers became stranded between Rangipo and Waiouru on the Desert Road due to snow and icy conditions. A total of 8 cm of fresh snow was recorded to 9 a.m. on the 16th at Waiouru. A North Island power consumption record was set, for the 24 hours to midnight on the 16th, of 60.4 Gigawatts.

Rainfall—Total monthly rainfall was well below the average for June in Northland, Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury. In these regions (except for Hawkes bay) rainfall for June was only 40 to 50 percent of average.

Only 4 mm was recorded at Whakatu (near Hastings), and 9 mm at Napier Airport. Rainfall totals at Napier Airport to date this year, during the last three months and for June have been rather low, being 46 percent of normal, 24 percent of normal and 9 percent of normal respectively.

Rainfall for June was above average in Horowhenua, Wellington, and over all of the South Island apart from coastal areas of Canterbury. Monthly totals of 200 to 250 percent of normal were recorded in South Westland, Inland South Canterbury and Central Otago. A very high total of just over 600 mm was recorded at Haast. Queenstown’s total rainfall for June was 181 mm (259 percent of normal), the highest there for June for at least 35 years.

Temperatures—Mean daily maximum temperatures were about 1°C above the normal for June in east coast regions of both Islands. This was due to prevalence of westerly quarter winds during the first half of the month. Higher than average daily maximum temperatures were reached on most days from the 1st to the 11th, being about 3 to 4°C above the average in these regions, and at Alexandra maximum temperatures were about 6°C higher. Mean daily maximum temperatures were about 1°C below normal in Westland.

Mean daily minimum temperatures were 1°C above normal in a few places in Central Otago, and 1°C below normal in Northland, Auckland and in Hawkes Bay.

A minimum air temperature of -12°C was recorded at the Hermitage (Mount Cook) during the morning of the 13th, and -14°C at the Tasman Saddle. The minimum at the Hermitage was the coldest on record for June. Records began in 1930.

Severe ground frosts (grass minimum temperatures below -6°C) occurred in parts of Otago and Canterbury on the morning of the 18th, 19th and the 27th.

A total of 21 days of ground frost were recorded at Napier Airport, being the most since June 1976.

Sunshine—It was rather cloudy in the south and west of the South Island, particularly in Dunedin, Invercargill and at Hokitika where total hours of bright sunshine for June were only about 80 percent of normal. June was again another sunny month in east coast regions from Gisborne to Canterbury.

Some of the greatest departures from normal this month were:

This information is issued by the New Zealand Meteorological Service. It may be quoted providing the source is acknowledged. Further details can be obtained from the Director, New Zealand Meteorological Service, P.O. Box 722, Wellington.

J. S. HICKMAN, Director.