What happened in July, how our climate outlook for the previous three months turned out, global and local sea temperatures, and our outlook for August to October
July 2010 was characterised by higher than normal pressures over the country, with lower pressures to the northeast of the North Island. The frequent highs brought clear skies, dry conditions, warmer afternoons but colder mornings to many regions. Southeast winds frequently affected New Zealand over the month, and the effects of these were very clear – western regions of the country were extremely sunny and very dry.
The equatorial Pacific is now in a La Niña state, which is likely to continue through the rest of 2010. During August-October, mean sea level pressures are likely to be above normal near New Zealand.
During Aug-Oct, mean sea level pressures are likely to be above normal near New Zealand. Temperatures are likely to be average or above average in all districts. Seasonal rainfall is likely to be near normal in most places, but normal or below normal in the western North Island, and normal or above in the east of the North Island.
The climate we predicted and what actually happened
