OVERVIEW

August was particularly wet over central New Zealand with Rotorua, Wellington and Kaikoura receiving totals well in excess of 200 mm but other parts of the nation, sheltered away from the rain bearing fronts and depressions, had a relatively dry month.
 

WETTEST

For the second month running, North Canterbury, Marlborough and Kaikoura saw some big totals, causing widespread flooding and road closures.

Christchurch, Blenheim, Levin and Paraparaumu also had plenty of rain with very few dry spells, which left grounds saturated and rivers running high.

Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch had a number of consecutive wet weekends which affected a number of outdoor events including winter sport.

DRIEST

There were some dry centres such as Gisborne with only 36 mm of rain  for the month, Wanaka 21mm, Napier 20mm and Hastings just 18mm. Masterton further south received more than 130 mm and just proves how localised some of these downpours were.
 

HOT AND COLD

Temperatures did top the 20 degree mark in Gisborne and Napier and with low rainfall amounts, August was not particularly severe for those two cities. Queenstown managed to fall as low as minus 6 during the month, with some heavy snowfalls too, but yet totalled just 50mm of precipitation.

It appears that August was the coldest winter month and even though the days are drawing out nicely as we march into Spring, it’s hard to believe that daylight saving is just 4 weeks away.

WEATHER ANALYST RICHARD GREEN