The first day of Autumn dawns tomorrow and even though Thursday is the last day of the hottest season it doesn’t appear to be coming to a dramatic halt in terms of weather conditions.

The first few days of March still sees skies remain fairly dry however there are indications that the weather pattern of recent weeks could slowly begin to change during early to mid March. We’re not guaranteeing it though as data remains inconclusive.

This summer will live long in the memory for some as endless sunny days, warm temperatures, great beach and river conditions plus long evenings have all added up to a more than decent summer, especially after last years dismal effort.

It hasn’t been all smiles though, as those wanting rain could argue that it’s been too dry for too long and respite was basically needed yesterday. Very dry conditions have many in the rural sector talking of a drought.
There are signs of change but will it also not eventuate and could it be April before relief comes when the country traditionally cools down?

Flicking through the figures briefly and January was the warmest month overall and even though there was a brief spell of rain earlier this month, figures show that Febraury was drier than last month nationally.

Whichever way you look at it both months have been dry and mostly mild to warm with the exception of the first week of January where West Coasters copped a deluge but it’s been pretty dry then since as well.

“That already seems a long time ago” says Weather Analyst Richard Green. “The following seven weeks have seen little fall on the coast along with most other places” he says.

Sunshine totals have also been very high over most places with some totals being broken. Canterbury had a record month during January with Christchurch nearing the 300 hour mark for the month and parts of Wellington have enjoyed an extremely bright February with very high sunshine hours.

Rainfall has been sparse with totals below fifteen millimetres for a number of central & eastern North Island areas and parts of inland areas of the South Island.

Feed has been given out early to stock on the farm and also some have been sold as a result of the big dry.
Drought is expected to be declared in places and it appears it’s just a matter of timing.

Homepage image of a parched looking Hawkes Bay

WeatherWatch.co.nz