Climate Update 30 - December 2001

Outlook and outcome – September to November 2001
Rainfall in some central regions of New Zealand was average to above average as expected. The north and east of the North Island was wetter than forecast, while some central and southern areas of the South Island were drier than anticipated.
Air temperatures in most places were above average as was expected, although temperatures were higher than forecast in much of the east of the South Island.
Normal to below normal river flows were correctly forecast for the east of both islands.

New Zealand Climate in November 2001
November characterised by high rainfall events
November was generally wet, and characterised by some heavy rainfall events in many parts of New Zealand. The wettest days were: 6 November, up to 85 mm thoughout Northland; 13 November, up to 65 mm over the central North Island; 18 November, 200 mm in Fiordland; 22 November, 50 mm in south Auckland and western Bay of Plenty, and 50–100 mm in Wellington and the Hutt Valley.

New Zealand River Flows in November 2001
Flows generally higher than in October
Flows were above normal in the north and west of the North Island, and the north, east, and south of the South Island. Flows were normal for much of the west coast of the South Island and normal to below normal for the east coast of the North Island. South Island hydro-lake inflows were near normal, and river flows into Lake Taupo were above normal.