New Zealand Climate Update 124 - October 2009
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.
Current Climate - September 2009
During September 2009, higher pressures and more frequent northerly winds affected New Zealand overall.
Global Setting - September 2009
A weak El Niño is present in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, and is expected to persist through to the autumn of 2010. Forecast guidance indicates some El Niño-like conditions affecting New Zealand in the coming three-month season. Over the coming three months, mean sea level pressures are likely to be lower than normal in the New Zealand region.
Outlook - October to December 2009
Over the coming three months, mean sea level pressures are likely to be lower than normal in the New Zealand region. Temperatures are expected to be near average over the North Island and northern South Island, and average or below average over the rest of the South Island. Rainfall is likely to be normal or below normal in the western South Island, and near normal elsewhere.