The rain keeps coming and the number of our rainfall sites recording their highest annual total is steadily increasing. November totals were double the month’s average in the north of the region but a more modest 33% higher on the Heretaunga Plains. There were thunderstorms aplenty, helped along by temperatures that were firing on all cylinders – overnight temperatures an impressive 2.5°C above average. Soil temperatures were warmer than usual and finished the month on 20°C on the Plains. River flows were generously above average during November and both groundwater and soil moisture levels followed suit.
Thankfully we’ve ditched one of the two protagonists. The negative Indian Ocean Dipole event is no more and has returned to neutral mode. The La Niña should, fingers crossed, follow the same path towards the end of summer. The start of February, when I take my holidays, would be ideal. In the meantime, expect an unchanged pattern of weather, namely higher than normal sea level pressure over southern New Zealand and lower than normal to the north, more easterlies than usual and most likely normal or above normal rainfall and temperatures. Here’s hoping we all have a great Christmas break and a break from the rain.
Percentage of Normal Rainfall
Dr Kathleen Kozyniak
Principal Scientist Air
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
