Focus Point - May 2009
28 May 2009
Third consecutive significantly dry summer in central Wairarapa.
The figure above shows the difference from normal November to April rainfall at Bagshot Station, near Masterton. The blue bars indicate that by April 2009 the locality had experienced lower than normal November–April rainfall for a fourth consecutive year. The last three seasons (2006–07, 2007–08, and 2008–09) have all recorded deficits of greater than 100 mm. This has occurred only in one other period since the 1921–22 season, in the three seasons 1982–83 to 1984–85.
Note: The analysis of the data in this figure is preliminary and should be used as a guide only. The rainfall observations for this site (D05872) can be obtained from http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz