Science Centres: Climate
What happened in September, how our climate outlook for the previous three months turned out, global and local sea temperatures, and our outlook for October to December.
September 2010 was characterised by extremely low pressures over New Zealand, bringing wild westerly winds. The effect of the stronger-than-normal westerly winds during September was very clear – rainfall was record high or well above average, and sunshine hours were well below average, in western areas of both islands. It was also much cooler than usual in the west and south of the South Island, but warmer than average in eastern areas; both are trademarks of enhanced westerly circulation.
The equatorial Pacific is in a moderate to strong La Niña state, which is expected to continue to at least the autumn of 2011. During October-December, mean sea level pressures are likely to be above normal over and south of New Zealand, with weaker than normal westerly winds over the country.
During Oct-Dec, mean sea level pressures are likely to be above normal over and south of New Zealand. Temperatures are very likely to be above average in all districts except for the east of the South Island, where above average is likely. Seasonal rainfall is likely to be near normal or below normal in the east of both Islands and the southwest of the South Island, and near normal elsewhere.
The climate we predicted and what actually happened.