Moist March set to follow dry February

Rotorua has a humid, rainy March to look forward to.

Rotorua had a dry, hot February, and looks to be heading into a humid March.

Rotorua weatherman Brian Holden said the city had only 55mm of rain last month, which was well below the average of 106mm.

"We did have some rain throughout the area, more than other areas. The rain was good but it was not enough," Mr Holden said.

March had begun with above average temperatures.

"On Sunday we got to 29C. Anything getting up around 30C is pretty high. We have relatively warm weather to come."

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said February was comparatively dry.

"February rainfall for Rotorua was about 78mm. The national average was 80mm. There were 12 rain days, and the national average was nine at the start of the month. Most of that rainfall came from February 17 when we had almost 30mm of rain in isolated showers, so I think some areas were dry. I think that's bigging up the figures.

"We had a lot of high pressures going over the North Island, that's why there wasn't a lot of rain, apart from the isolated showers."

Mr Holden's Springfield-based measurements do not include the 29mm of rain which fell on February 17 around the airport.

"Rainfall is very localised. We in Springfield didn't get a drop."

Ms Blades said the temperature will cool down near the end of the month.

"We have had a warm start to the meteorologic autumn.

"The high pressures are heading off now so we should get a bit more in rainfall.

"March is likely to be warmer than normal."

People would be enjoying the extended summer weather, Mr Holden said.

"Most of us are enjoying the summer. We have got a little bit more summer time to enjoy so it's not all bad."