December's climate
New Zealand climate in December 2005
Above average December rainfall was recorded in many regions, particularly in the western North Island and southern South Island. Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago, and Marlborough had below average rainfall.
Mean temperatures everywhere were at least 1.5 °C above average, and more than 3.0 °C above average in parts of Otago and Southland.
For more information on the climate in December, visit the climate summaries page at www.niwa.co.nz/ncc/cs/mclimsum_05_12
Significant soil moisture deficitsBy the end of December, significant soil moisture deficits had developed in eastern regions from Hawke’s Bay to Otago, and also in Kapiti, Wellington, and Nelson. These deficits were severe in parts of Marlborough and Central Otago. |
North Island river flows increaseIn December, North Island flows were average or high, apart from the Wellington region where they remained low. Stream flows were higher than normal in Southland and South Otago, but very low elsewhere in the South Island. |
October 2005 to December 2005: the climate we predicted and what happened
Rainfall
Rainfall was as predicted in most regions but was drier than expected in the north and west of the South Island and the southwest of the North Island.
Air temperature
The north and east of the North Island were cooler than expected. Other regions were above average as predicted.
River flows
North Island stream flows were normal or high. South Island flows were low or very low, apart from average flows in Southland/Otago, after December rain.