May

Climate Update is a summary each month of New Zealand’s climate, including soil moisture and river flows.

May 2005 – Number 71

April’s climate: April exceptionally dry and sunny. Frequent clear nights and a late southerly outbreak brought below average temperatures.

April’s river flows: Stream flows were low, especially in the north of the North Island.

Soil moisture levels: Low soil moisture in Northland.

Three-month outlook: Above average air temperatures in all districts. Normal or above normal rain in the west; eastern North Island rainfalls may be below normal. Below normal soil moisture and stream flows are likely in the north and east of the North Island.

Checkpoint: How well are we doing with our predictions?

Backgrounder: Hail occurrence in New Zealand.

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