During July 2016, mean sea-level pressures were lower than normal over and to the south of New Zealand. This pressure pattern resulted in a prevalence of winds from a westerly direction.
Rainfall It was a very dry month for many eastern areas of the country, particularly in Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, coastal Wairarapa and eastern Canterbury, where rainfall was well below normal (<50% of normal). Conversely, rainfall was well above normal (>149% of normal) or above normal (120-149% of normal) for most remaining parts of the South Island, Whanganui and the Central Plateau.
Temperature July temperatures were above average (+0.51°C to +1.20 °C) in many parts of New Zealand. It was an especially warm month for much of the inland South Island, Kaikoura and Auckland where well above average mean temperatures (> +1.20°C) were observed.
Sunshine July sunshine was well above normal (>125% of normal) or above normal (110-125% of normal) in many parts of the country. It was especially sunny for this time of year in south Otago, Central Otago, eastern Canterbury and the southern North Island.
Soil Moisture At the end of July 2016, soil moisture levels were below normal for the time of year for eastern parts of the South Island north of Ashburton, and eastern parts of the North Island, particularly coastal Wairarapa. Soil moisture levels for the remainder of the country were near normal for this time of year.
