April cooler than usual: Niwa

Most of New Zealand had a dry, sunny but cooler than usual April, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says.

The average temperature for the month was was 13degC, half a degree lower than usual.

The highest temperature for the month, of 26.6degC, was recorded on April 1 in Hastings, the lowest, of -3.1degC, on April 12 at Tara Hills in Omarama and April 30 in Ranfurly.

Niwa principal scientist Jim Salinger said less than half the normal rainfall was recorded in eastern parts of Northland, Taranaki, Gisborne, Horowhenua and much of the west of the South Island.

Niwa scientists also recorded more than normal sunshine hours in most of the country.

Parts of Auckland were hit by wind gusts exceeding 130km/h on April 12 and 13, with the month's highest, of 146km/h, recorded on the North Shore in April 13.

- NZPA

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