Mt Ruapehu hit highest recorded temperature in December, warmer days ahead for region

Whanganui and surrounding areas can expect warm and muggy weather for the rest of the summer. Photo / Erin Smith

Mt Ruapehu had its highest recorded temperature in December.

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s December climate summary showed a record high of 25.7C at the Chateau on December 9.

It was the hottest temperature there since records began in 2000.

That same day, Waiōuru recorded its second-highest temperature with 26.6C.

Waiōuru’s records began in 1962.

Earth Sciences meteorologist Chester Lampkin said December’s weather for Manawatū-Whanganui and South Taranaki had two contrasting stories.

“South Taranaki actually ended up with wetter than normal weather in December, while the entire Manawatū-Whanganui area was drier than average - you’ve got two competing stories there.”

The Chateau also recorded its most extreme wind gusts on December 29, with 113km/h.

The next few months for the region were expected to be warm to hot, Lampkins said.

Above-average temperatures and above-average rainfall were likely.

“That’s going to be driven by the weather patterns that are setting up as we are still in that La Nina pattern.

“Generally, you tend to get more easterly wind flow. However, that could be interrupted by northerly intrusions of tropical moisture.”

Lampkins said people in the area could expect warm, muggy days and nights.

“There may be a lack of relief from the heat. A lot of people will be making their way out to the ice cream parlours and getting some cold beverages to make it through some of these hotter days.”

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.