Dry Anticyclones Good For Harvest But Carry A Cost

26-Apr-2007

Dry Anticyclones Good For Harvest But Carry A Cost

The recent run of dry weather has been good for harvesting but some farmers are beginning to count the cost as they consider the loss of autumn pasture.

"Several of our rain gauge sites around the country have had a dry run recently," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Hamilton, Tauranga and Nelson have had less than ten millimetres of rain so far this month, and Taupo and Blenheim have not had any rain at all since Friday 13th April."

Parts of Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Kapiti, and Central Otago have received insufficient rain to recover from a very dry period in late summer. The recent dryness is the result of anticyclones keeping rain-bearing features away from New Zealand.

Mr. McDavitt added that there should be a break in this pattern soon. "A heavy rain warning has been issued for the ranges of Buller and Northwest Nelson starting this evening, and thundery downpours are likely in northern North Island areas on Saturday.

Indications are that another low-pressure system will develop over the Tasman Sea next week. These systems may not bring much rain to where it is needed most but they are a sign of a change in the pattern. They'll also be keeping conditions warmer than normal over New Zealand for a while."

ENDS

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