NZ weather summary April 1962

[Rwood]

April 1962:  In the North Island April was wet and rather warm, and noteworthy for a violent storm which occurred at midmonth. Throughout both islands farmers found it a favourable month, with and absence of severe cold spells. A very deep depression crossed the North Island from the 14th to the 16th, causing exceptionally strong winds in most districts, with widespread damage. The main areas which escaped damage were Nelson, the West Coast, and Southland.

Rainfall:  Rainfall was above average over most of the North Island and also in northern districts of the South Island and the Canterbury Plains and coast. It was more than double the average value about Cook Strait, in the Hokianga-Bay of Islands area, and about Banks Peninsula. To the north and west of the Bay of Islands totals ranging from 13” to 23” were recorded, 2/3 of which fell in the four days 26 to 29 April, with some serious flooding. About and west of the Southern Alps and in Southland rainfall was less than 3/4 of average.

Temperatures: Temperatures were above average by 1F-2F in the North Island, but they were below average by 1F in eastern districts of the South Island. The coolest spell was associated with the passage of the depression on the 15th, when snow fell on the ranges of both islands.

Sunshine: Sunshine was mainly close to average. However, the West Coast and Hawkes Bay were favoured with about 20 hours more sunshine than usual; while in Northland, Wairarapa and Central Otago it was below average by a similar amount.

[Some totals: Te Hapua 142, Kaitaia 134, Kerikeri 123, Whangarei 125, Auckland 144, Tauranga 162, Whakatane 182, Taupo 150, Opotiki 168, Hamilton 149, New Plymouth 154, Masterton 128, Gisborne 162, Napier 183, Wairoa 158, Paraparaumu 173, Ohakea 163, Palmerston Nth 153, Levin 163, Wellington 164, Ohakune 165, Wanganui 170, Westport 172, Hokitika 164, Greymouth 160, Haast 153, Nelson 195, Blenheim 187, Grassmere 164, Kaikoura 157, Mt Cook 120, Methven 146, Christchurch 137, Tekapo 165, Timaru 136, Waimate 121, Oamaru 122, Omarama 135, Dunedin Aero 114, Dunedin 114, Queenstown 114, Alexandra 145, Invercargill 106, Campbell Is 58{up 65%}, Chatham Is 73{down 27%}].


Sources: NZ Met. Misc. pub. 107 (Climatological table, NZ Gazette) and NZ Met. Misc. pub. 109 (Meteorological Observations) - additional comments by the poster.

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