Relentless winds and chilly temperatures nationwide contributed to a poor November, climate studies show.
The 12.9C national average temperature for November was 0.9C below the average for the month, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said.
"November was a cold and windy month, the first three weeks being dominated
by almost relentless winds from the south and west."
Niwa said temperatures, as in October, were well below average and little of the normal spring warming was felt until the end of the month.
"November's climate pattern was dominated by below-average pressures east of the North Island, producing more frequent cold southerlies and southwesterlies over New Zealand," Niwa said.
In parts of the Bay of Plenty, the King Country and Central Otago, temperatures were more than 2C below average.
Large tracts of the country had below average rainfall. Marlborough's rainfall was below average for the fifth consecutive month.
Other regions with below average rainfall were: Auckland, Taupo, Gisborne, Buller, Nelson, Westland, South Canterbury, and the Southern Lakes.
"Significant soil moisture deficits persisted in central Marlborough and have also developed in Northern and Central Otago and South Canterbury," Niwa said.
"Soil moisture is also well below average for the time of year in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay."
Northland and Westland recorded above average sunshine hours, while Kapiti Coast and Wellington had less sun than usual.
- NZPA
Herald feature: Environment
