January's climate
New Zealand climate in January
January rainfall was 50% or more below normal in many eastern regions, but above normal in coastal Northland, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, near East Cape, Wellington, and Nelson. Chatham Islands rainfall was more than 200% of normal.
The east of the South Island and the south of the North Island were cool, but elsewhere conditions were warmer than normal. The national average temperature was 16.7 °C (0.4 °C below normal).
For more information on the climate in January 2007, visit the climate summaries page at www.niwascience.co.nz/ncc/cs/mclimsum_07_01
Average to high deficitsSoil moisture deficits of at least 110 mm developed by the end of January in parts of Northland, Auckland, eastern Bay of Plenty, Nelson, and eastern regions of both islands. Larger deficits developed in eastern regions from Gisborne to Marlborough, and Central Otago. |
High flows in central North IslandJanuary river and stream flows were above normal over the central North Island and the South Island east coast, and normal to below normal elsewhere. |
November to January: the climate we predicted and what happened
Rainfall
Rainfall was higher than expected in the southwest of the North Island, and eastern South Island, and lower than expected in the southwest of the South Island.
Air temperature
Air temperatures were below normal as predicted in many districts, but lower than predicted in the east of the North Island and north of the South Island.
River flows
Streamflows were below normal in parts of northern New Zealand, and above normal in the southern South Island, as was predicted. The high January flows in South Island east coast streams were a consequence of a wet December.