February

Climate Update is a summary each month of New Zealand's climate, including soil moisture and river flows.

February 2003 – Number 44

January’s climate: This month was drier than normal apart from northern North Island regions.

January’s river flows: January streamflows mostly low.

Soil moisture levels: North Island soils from Waikato south were very much drier than normal by the end of January.

Three month outlook: Early autumn is expected to be influenced by enhanced antocyclone activity over the Tasman Sea.

Checkpoint: How well are we doing with our predictions?

Backgrounder: Hydrological observation network.

This issue of the Climate Update is available as a PDF.