December
November's climate
Global setting and climate outlook
Feature article
Climate Update by email
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From January 2009, The Climate Update will continue online on the NIWA website at www.niwa.co.nz/ncc/cu/
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A monthly newsletter from the National Climate Centre.
December 2008 – Number 114
November climate – mostly drier than normal with near or above average air temperatures. Low river flows in northern and eastern regions.
Outlook for December to February – above average or average air temperatures are likely over the country. Rainfall is likely to be near normal in the North Island and north of the South Island.
New Zealand climate in November
Rainfall (click to enlarge).
Temperature (click to enlarge).
Rainfall was less than 50% of normal in eastern areas of the country (continuing the pattern from October) and between 50% and 80% of normal for the majority of the North Island except Taranaki and Northland.
November temperatures were above normal for most of the country, although cooler than average along the South Island west coast. North Canterbury was particularly warm.
Global setting and climate outlook
El Niño-Southern Oscillation remains neutral
Difference from average global SST (click to enlarge).
Monthly SOI values (click to enlarge).
Neutral conditions (no El Niño or La Niña) now prevail in the tropical Pacific Ocean and are very likely to continue through the summer, although there is a chance of weak La Niña conditions redeveloping.
Sea surface temperatures(SST) around New Zealand
New Zealand SST (click to enlarge).
Sea surface temperatures around New Zealand were below average in November, but are expected to be near or sli
