JULY'S WEATHER IN KĀPITI

Murray from Paraparaumu

With June’s mild, dry weather continuing well into July, some began to wonder whether winter might also bypass July, but it turned-up in the third week along with a series of southerlies. But, overall July was slightly milder and sunnier than usual, with rainfall again well below average, and we continued to avoid the severe rain events again afflicting the north and east of the North Island.

The daily average maximum temperature of 14.1 degrees was a few points above average, but a couple of points below last year. Only Levin and Blenheim with 14.4 degrees were very slightly warmer than Kāpiti in central New Zealand. However, Kāpiti’s overall mean temperature of 10.3 degrees was the highest in that region. No frosts were recorded in the western parts of central New Zealand, although I did notice a few white tinges on neighbouring roofs a couple of times.

The sunshine equivalent 16 fine days, was also slightly above average.

This July was one of the driest of the last decade, with only 54 mm recorded at the airport. This compares with the historical average of 90 mm and last year’s 208 mm!

The wintry weather experienced over the last 10 days of the month may have slowed the onset of spring, already evident, but records show that warmer weather occurs with increasing frequency as August progresses.