April

A monthly newsletter from the National Climate Centre.

April 2008 – Number 106

March climate – warm over much of the country and heatwave temperatures exceeding 30 °C in the south. Low rainfall over much of the North Island, and in Canterbury and Fiordland. Low river flows over most of the North Island.

Outlook for April to June – La Niña weakening. Warm conditions over most of the country. Rainfall is expected to be near normal in most places, but normal or below in the west of the North Island. Below normal soil moisture levels and stream flows are expected over most of the North Island and northern South Island. Normal soil moisture levels and stream flows are expected in the west, south, and east of the South Island.

In this issue

• New Zealand climate in March
• Global setting & climate outlook
• Feature article - 2007–08 summer follows a dry year

Cover image

Damaged Wairarapa pastures. Successive droughts have taken their toll.

Cover photo: Alan Blacklock

This issue of the Climate Update is available as a PDF.