September's climate

New Zealand climate in September

Rainfall in September was below normal for many areas, particularly in parts of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel, and the east coast of the North Island, but 150% or more above normal in parts of the South Island.

September temperatures were more than 1.5 °C above their normal values in South Canterbury and Central Otago, and above normal in many other places. The national average temperature of 11.1 °C was 0.7 °C above average for the month.

For more information see www.niwascience.co.nz/ncc/cs/mclimsum_08_09

Soil moisture deficit Soil moisture (click to enlarge). Coastal soil moisture levels were lower than normal in parts of Northland, Bay of Plenty, and the North Island’s east coast, but elsewhere soil moisture conditions were mostly near normal.

River flows River flows (click to enlarge). River flows in the high country areas of the South Island were higher than normal; flows were below normal in the east of the North Island, and normal elsewhere.

July to September: the climate we predicted and what happened

Rainfall

Predicted: Near normal everywhere.

Outcome: Above normal in the west and south of the North Island, and the north, east, and south of the South Island. Below normal in parts of the North Island east coast, and normal elsewhere over the country.

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Air temperature

Predicted: Above normal in the North Island, and normal or above normal in the South Island.

Outcome: Abovenormal in many places, and normal elsewhere.

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River flows

Predicted: Normal or below normal flows in the north and east of both the North and South Island.

Outcome: River flows were higher than normal in most catchments.

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