[RWood]

November 1974: Barometric pressures were high over New Zealand and to the south in November, and there were more easterly winds than usual, as in previous months of 1974. It was one of the driest Novembers on record and also warm. A heavy hailstorm at Roxburgh on the 15th caused damage to the trees and fruit, significantly reducing the crop in that area.

Rainfall: Rainfall was mainly less than half the normal value. It averaged 38% of normal over the North Island and 43% over the South Island. It was less than 1/4 of the normal in most areas east of the ranges north of Waimate, and also in Auckland and parts of Waikato. Most of the small amounts of rain recorded fell between the 7th and 15th, except in northern districts of the North Island. On the Canterbury Plains this was the driest November so far this century, with totals of 5-10mm. Other very dry Novembers in Canterbury occurred in 1908 and 1945.

Temperatures: Temperatures were above normal, mainly by 1C-2C. Highest departures were in western districts of both islands. The last 6 days of the month were particularly warm, with some unusually high maxima in Otago and Southland on the 28th. On the other hand, the first 5 days were unusually cool, especially in eastern areas.

Sunshine: Sunshine was above normal by 40-70 hours in most western and southern districts of both islands. It was below normal by 30-40 hours in Northland and Auckland.

[Some totals: Kaitaia 159, Whangarei 193, Auckland 178, Thames 203, Tauranga 210, Whakatane 242, Hamilton 227, Taumarunui 229, New Plymouth 243, Masterton 240, Gisborne 222, Napier 239, Ohakea 280, Palmerston North 261, Wellington 267, Stratford 258, Wanganui 275, Westport 203, Hokitika 221, Greymouth 229, Haast 216, Riwaka 283, Nelson 259, Blenheim 273, Kaikoura 223, Mt Cook 200, Mt John 293, Christchurch 214, Timaru 182, Dunedin 190, Oamaru 185, Queenstown 253, Alexandra 276, Gore 238, Invercargill 214, Chatham Is 189].

Sources: NZ Met. Misc. pub. 107 (Climatological table, NZ Gazette) and NZ Met. Misc. pub. 109 (Meteorological Observations) - additional comments in italics.

This post has been edited by RWood: 28 February 2010 - 12:48 PM

[RWood]

10mm rainfall at Auckland Aero, 2mm at Balmoral Forest, 3mm at Cape Campbell. A very sunny month that was the first in the reinstated daylight savings series. Wanganui's sunshine total (275 hrs) was its highest for November, but Wellington's total was exceeded in 1934.

This post has been edited by RWood: 10 March 2010 - 11:01 AM

[David]

RWood, on 10 March 2010 - 11:01 AM, said:

10mm rainfall at Auckland Aero, 2mm at Balmoral Forest, 3mm at Cape Campbell. A very sunny month that was the first in the reinstated daylight savings series. Wanganui's sunshine total (275 hrs) was its highest for November, but Wellington's total was exceeded in 1934.

That's low rain for November - is that the driest November recorded at Auckland Aero?

[RWood]

David, on 10 March 2010 - 06:42 PM, said:

That's low rain for November - is that the driest November recorded at Auckland Aero?

Haven't got the data to hand right now, but it would be close if not a record, as Auckland Aero records only go back to the late 60s.

[RWood]

32.2C maximum at Ashburton on the 28th.

[rainfan]

RWood, on 10 March 2010 - 09:14 PM, said:

Haven't got the data to hand right now, but it would be close if not a record, as Auckland Aero records only go back to the late 60s.

Yes, it's a record that still stands today along with other Auckland sites with the exception of Albert Park which has 1945 as the lowest with 12mm.