Current climate: November 2018
November 2018 was characterised by higher than normal sea level pressure to the south of the country, and lower than normal sea level pressure over the Tasman Sea. This pressure setup led to more northeasterlies than normal.
Temperature
Temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) for western and southernmost parts of the South Island, Auckland, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Whanganui and the Kapiti Coast. Temperatures were below average (0.51-1.20°C below average) in eastern and inland parts of Otago and Canterbury including Oamaru, Ranfurly and the Mackenzie Country.
Rainfall
It was a very wet November for eastern and inland parts of the South Island, with many locations recording at least double the normal rainfall for the time of year. Rainfall was well above normal (>149% of normal) in eastern and inland parts of Otago, Canterbury, Southland, Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay. Rainfall was mostly above normal (120-149% of normal) in remaining parts of these provinces, as well as Northland, Auckland, western Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Wellington. In contrast, rainfall was well below normal rainfall (<50% of normal) in Nelson and Tasman, and below normal (50-79% of normal) in western parts of New Zealand including Fiordland, Whanganui, Taranaki and Taihape.
Soil Moisture
As of 1 December, soils were significantly wetter than normal for the time of year across large parts of the eastern and inland South Island, as well as the eastern North Island. Soil moisture levels were lower than normal for the time of year in Nelson, Tasman, Whanganui, the central Plateau, and parts of the West Coast.