Current climate: June 2019

June 2019 was characterised by higher than normal mean sea level pressure. This resulted in more south-westerly winds than usual over the country. Late in the month, frequent rounds of high pressure contributed to unusually dry conditions and several rounds of colder than average morning temperatures due to clear skies, light winds, long nights, and less soil moisture than normal. 

Temperature

Temperatures were near average (-0.50 to +0.50°C of average) for the majority of the North Island. A portion of south Waikato observed below average temperatures (-0.51°C to -1.20°C of average) while coastal southern Hawke’s Bay and interior Manawatu-Whanganui observed above average temperatures (0.51°C to 1.2°C above average). Inland parts of Marlborough and Tasman along with northern Canterbury and West Coast experienced below average or well below temperatures (< -1.2°C below average). Temperatures were above average or well above average (>1.2°C above average) in much of Southland, coastal Otago, and a portion of interior Canterbury. Temperatures were near average for the remainder of the South Island.

Rainfall

Rainfall was below normal (50% to 79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) for the majority of New Zealand with the only exceptions being parts of lower Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa where above normal rainfall (120-149% of normal) was observed. 

Soil Moisture

As of 30 June, soil moisture levels for the time of year were near normal across most of the country with pockets of drier than normal soils in Northland, Auckland, eastern Waikato, interior Manawatu-Whanganui, coastal Wairarapa, interior Marlborough and parts of lower coastal Canterbury and northern coastal Otago. Conversely, a small area about Kaikōura observed wetter than normal soils.