We had a mostly dry February in Taranaki with average rainfall of 63.5mm – 44% less than usual for the month.
Brooklands Zoo at New Plymouth had 78% less rain than normal while Omaru at Charlies (in the Southern Hill Country) had 8% less rain than an average February. The dry trend which started in January continued with year to date rainfall an average 22% less than normal, including 48% less at Pātea at Stratford.
Mean river flows for February were 45% of typical values, low flows were 29% greater, and high flows were only 36% of typical highs while mean river (non-mountain) water temperatures were 17.8°C, an average of 0.4°C cooler than normal.
The average air temperature for the region (excluding Te Maunga sites) was 16.7°C, which is 0.8°C cooler than long-term February averages. The maximum air temperature recorded in February was 28.7°C at Inglewood at Oxidation Ponds. The maximum wind gust recorded in February was 129km/hr at Waitotara at Ngutuwera.
January 2024 rainfall maps
What you should know:
-
The site maps show data from a selection of the sites we monitor, but not all of them.
-
The distribution maps are based on mathematical modelling and may not accurately represent actual rainfall in some unmonitored areas.
Click on each map for larger version.
MONITORED SITES
RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION