Current climate: October 2018

For the month as whole, October mean sea level pressure was higher than normal over and to the southwest of New Zealand, resulting in more southerly winds than normal over the country.

Temperature

Mean temperatures for October were near average (-0.50 to +0.50°C) for nearly all locations across New Zealand. A small portion of Auckland observed mean temperatures slightly below average (-0.51 to -1.20°C), while a handful of locations around the country observed above average (0.51 to 1.20°C) mean temperatures.

Rainfall

Rainfall in October was below normal (50-79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) across large swaths of New Zealand, particularly in the North Island and the western South Island. Meanwhile, near normal rainfall totals (80-119% of normal) were observed across northern Waikato and Bay of Plenty, as well as Canterbury, Otago, and interior Southland. In addition, areas of above normal (120-149% of normal) to well above normal (>149% of normal) rainfall were observed from northern Canterbury to Otago. 

Soil Moisture

As of 1 November 2018, soil moisture levels were generally below normal for the time of year across much of Northland, parts of Auckland, western Waikato, Hawke’s Bay to Wairarapa, and the upper South Island. Meanwhile, above normal soil moisture levels were found from central Canterbury to interior Southland. Soil moisture levels were generally near normal for the time of year across the rest of the country.