Some locations in south Canterbury and Southland recorded well below normal temperatures for August (more than 1.2°C below normal). The nationwide average temperature for August 2015 was 8.6°C. Rainfall was below normal in the eastern parts of both islands. North Canterbury and Bay of Plenty were particularly dry. The West Coast, Taranaki and parts of the central North Island had rainfall well above normal. As at September 1, 2015, soil moisture levels were below normal for Hawke’s Bay, coastal Wairarapa and eastern parts of Canterbury and north Otago.
NIWA’s outlook for September-November 2015 does not show much relief. Temperatures are about equally likely to be average or below average for the North Island and in the north of the South Island. For the west and east of the South Island, temperatures are likely to be below average. Cold snaps and frosts are to be expected in some parts of the country. Rainfall is likely to be below normal for the north and east of the North Island, while the rest of the country is likely to be near normal. Soil moisture is likely to be below normal in the north and east of the North Island and east of the South Island. In the remainder of the country, soil moisture levels are about equally likely to be in the near normal or below normal range.
AgriHQ’s pasture growth index has been showing that pasture growth is below normal, though it is likely to be more positive in the next few weeks. Many are already starting to prepare for an El Nino summer and drought conditions.
NIWA’s climate update and it’s outlook until November are available here.
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