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New Zealand Climate

New Zealand climate in August 2005

August was much drier, warmer, and sunnier than normal over most of New Zealand. Many northern and eastern regions of the country recorded less than 50 percent of normal rainfall.

Air temperatures were higher than usual, with the national average temperature of 9.8 °C being 1.1 °C above normal. This was the fourth highest August mean temperature since reliable records began in the mid 1860s.

For more information on the climate in August, visit the climate summaries page at www.niwa.co.nz/ncc/cs/mclimsum_05_08

 

Percentage of average rainfall for August 2005 (recording sites shown with dots).

Difference from average air temperature in degrees Celsius for August 2005.

Average difference from normal August surface temperatures in the seas around New Zealand.

Global setting and climate outlook

El Niño-Oscillation remains neutral

Difference from average global sea surface temperatures for August 2005. Map courtesy of NOAA/Climate Diagnostics Center.

Monthly values of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), a measure of the changes in atmospheric pressure across the Pacific, and the 3-month mean (black line). Current values: August -0.9; JJA 3-month mean -0.2.

The tropical Pacific Ocean is in a neutral state (no El Niño or La Niña), although equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST) are still above average. Tropical Pacific conditions should continue to be in a neutral state over the next 3-6 months.

The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) was negative in August (-0.9), due mainly to higher pressures at Darwin, but the 3-month July to August mean was near zero (-0.2).

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