Outlook and outcome – June 2004 to August 2004 Many districts recorded average rainfall, as predicted, and it was drier than normal in Northland and Auckland. Parts of the east and south of the North Island, and the northwest and south of the South Island, were wetter than expected. Air temperatures were average, as predicted, in many areas, and average or below average, as predicted, in the southern South Island. It was cooler than predicted in the northwest of the South Island and in the Auckland region.

The outlook for September 2004 to November 2004 Lower than normal mean sea-level pressures in the south Tasman Sea are expected during spring, with more west to southwest wind flow than usual over New Zealand. Surface temperatures of seas close to the country are expected to be near average. Temperatures are expected to be near average in most regions, but above average in the eastern North Island and northern South Island. Normal or below normal rainfall is expected in the north and east of the North Island, with normal or above normal rain in the west and south of the South Island.

Climate Update is a summary each month of New Zealand’s climate, including soil moisture and river flows. September 2004 – Number 63 August’s climate: Temperatures at 10 year low. Very wet in Wairarapa, Canterbury, Otago, and coastal Southland. August’s river flows: High river flows in the central and southern North Island, Buller, and coastal Southland. Soil moisture levels: Marlborough-Kaikoura coast and parts of inland Otago lower than average. Three-month outlook: Below normal rain likely in the north and east North Island.