June's climate
New Zealand climate in June 2006
June 2006 was the coldest June since 1972, with much of the country recording temperatures of more than 2.0 °C below average. Snow fell to depths of 15-90 cm in Canterbury, and also closed roads in the North Island. There were more frosts than usual across much of the country.
Precipitation was about 200% of normal in South Canterbury, but about half normal in much of Bay of Plenty. June was much sunnier than normal in all western and southern regions.
For more information on the climate in June, visit the climate summaries page at www.niwascience.co.nz/ncc/cs/mclimsum_06_06
Soils at or above field capacityAlong the east coast, soils were mostly at or above field capacity at the end of June, and mostly at field capacity elsewhere. Soil conditions in Otago were wetter than at the end of June last year. |
High river flows in the eastHigh stream flows occurred in eastern regions of both islands and in some rivers in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Buller. Near normal stream flows occurred in most other rivers, but below normal flows occurred in some rivers, particularly in the Wellington/Kapiti Coast region. |
April 2006 to June 2006: the climate we predicted and what happened
Rainfall
Rainfall was normal or above in most districts, and higher than predicted in the east of the country. Predictions of drier than normal conditions in parts of the west and south of the country were correct.
Air temperature
Air temperatures were near average, and lower than expected, over much of New Zealand.
River flows
Stream flows were above normal in the north and east of both islands, and near normal in most other locations. Below normal flows occurred in the far southwest of the South Island.