The dryer than normal year continued last month with an average of 41% less rain than usual in Taranaki.
The average rainfall total for the month was 104.5mm and there was 62% less rain at Kotare at OSullivans, and 12% less at Kaupokonui at Glenn Rd. Year-to-date rainfall is lowest at Waitotara at Hawken Rd with 43% less rainfall than usual and on average there has been 19% less than normal across all rain gauges.
Mean river flows for May were 40.8% lower than typical values, low flows were 28.4% greater and and high flows 68.6% lower than typical values while Mean river (non-mountain) water temperatures were 10.7°C, an average of 1.4°C cooler than usual.
The average air temperature for the region (excluding Te Maunga sites) was 10.9°C, which is 1.6°C cooler than usual for May. The top air temperature recorded in May was 19.89°C at Brooklands Zoo at New Plymouth on 3 May.
The highest wind gust recorded was 101.2km/hr at Kapoaiaia at Lighthouse, at 3:50pm on 29 May. May average wind speeds were 12.8km/hr, with average gust strength of 39.5km/hr.
May 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.
- This is raw data and may not have been subjected to a quality control process. All efforts are made to ensure the integrity of the data, but the Council cannot guarantee its accuracy, or its suitability for any purpose. See the full terms and conditions for the use of environmental data(external link).
MONITORED SITES
RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION
