Current climate – July 2015
July 2015 was characterised by air pressures which were higher than normal over and to the northwest of the country, while lower pressures than normal were observed to the south of New Zealand. This circulation pattern resulted in slightly more westerly airflows than normal over New Zealand. The westerlies were interrupted by outbreaks of cold southerlies that delivered snowfalls to low elevations, and anticyclones which resulted in spells of frost.
Rainfall
Rainfall was below normal (50-79% of the July normal) or well below normal (< 50% of the July normal) in parts of every region except Tasman, Nelson, West Coast and Southland. It was especially dry in eastern parts of South Canterbury, North Otago and Central Otago which received just 20% or less of normal July rainfall. In contrast, rainfall was above normal (120-149% of July normal) for much of West Coast and parts of Auckland. Auckland received a considerable proportion of its monthly rainfall from downpours associated with frontal activity.
Temperature
Mean temperatures were below average (-0.51°C to -1.20°C) in parts of the Far North, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa, West Coast, coastal South Canterbury and North Otago. July temperatures were above average (+0.51°C to +1.20°C) for the Mackenzie Country and Banks Peninsula, and well above average (> 1.20°C) in parts of Central Otago.
Sunshine
July sunshine was abundant for many parts of New Zealand, with the majority of the country receiving above normal sunshine (110-125%). It was particularly sunny in Marlborough, Central Otago and the Southern Lakes where July sunshine was well above normal (> 125%).
Soil Moisture
As of 1 August 2015, soils were notably drier than normal for Hawke’s Bay, coastal Wairarapa, and eastern parts of Marlborough, North Canterbury, South Canterbury and Otago. Elsewhere, soil moisture levels were typically near normal for this time of year.