A drier December for many

"The MetService outlook for December indicates more Highs in the New Zealand region, overall," said MetService Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths. "As we move into December, the weather over New Zealand should gradually start to settle. The signal for Highs over the country is particularly strong in the second half of the month," Griffiths added.

This means a drier than usual December is forecast for most regions of the country. The exceptions are the western South Island, also Nelson, Taranaki and Northland, where closer to normal December rainfall is more likely. "After a very stormy and cool November, many people will be looking forward to some enjoyable BBQ weather," said Griffiths. "But after four months of low rainfall in the north and east of the South Island, farmers in those regions will instead be asking Santa for some decent rain."

It has been an extremely dry spring (September-November) for the northeast South Island, following a very dry August there. Nelson and Blenheim experienced their fourth driest spring on record, in observations starting in 1941. Nelson recorded 99mm of spring rainfall (only 39% of normal),while Blenheim received 82mm (44% of normal). Significant soil moisture deficits are now evident in Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Otago, reflecting the high wind-run and low rainfall recorded over the last four months. "Below average temperatures are expected at the start of the month, but temperatures look to return to more typical December levels by mid-month," Griffiths added.

For more information, the latest Rural Monthly Outlook can be found under the Rural section on metservice.com.

ENDS

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