- Rainfall: in the south of the North Island, as well as Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Wanganui, and around Christchurch – landslips in several areas; dry over much of the South Island
- Temperature: Near average in many regions; warmer in Hawke’s Bay, cooler in Otago
- Sunshine: Extremely sunny in Otago and Southland
August rainfall was well above normal in southern parts of the North Island, including Wanganui, Kapiti, Wellington, Wairarapa, and also in Christchurch, with frequent landslips during the month. In contrast rainfall was well below normal on the Kaikoura coast, and below normal in many other South Island regions. The month was sunnier than normal over much of New Zealand, especially in Otago and Southland. Temperatures were near average in most regions, but above average in parts of Hawke’s Bay and below average in parts of Otago. The national average temperature of 8.8°C was 0.2°C above the 1971-2000 normal. More anticyclones ('highs') over south eastern Australia extended ridges of high pressure into the Tasman. These, as well as frequent depressions southeast of the Chatham Islands produced more southwesterlies than normal over New Zealand.
Other Highlights
- The highest temperature during August 2006 was 21.8°C recorded at Timaru Airport on the 29th. This was the 3rd highest August temperature there since records commenced in 1962. The lowest air temperature for the month was -9.0°C recorded at Alexandra on the 10th. This was one of the lowest temperatures there for August since records commenced in 1929.
- A wind gust of 167 km/h from the northwest was recorded at Southwest Cape (Stewart Island) on the 28th, with 143 km/h from the northwest at Castlepoint on the 31st.
- High rainfall affected Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Coromadel over the 5/6th, Westland and Fiordland over the 18/19th, and Marlborough Sounds and Wellington on the 25/26th. Surface flooding occurred on 8 August in Christchurch after 3 days of rainfall. A major landslip occurred in Kelson, Wellington on the 8th, with another in Oriental Parade, Wellington on the 16th. Flooding occurred in Makara, Wellington on the 25th, with further landslips in some areas.
- Snowfall occurred in Otago, and inland areas of Southland and Canterbury on the 21st, with all major high-country passes closed. Snowfall closed the North Island's Desert Road on the 25th.
- Dunedin was by far he driest, Wellington the wettest, and Christchurch the coldest but sunniest of the main centres. Rainfall was above average in Wellington and Christchurch (especially in the central city), below average in Dunedin, and near average in the other main centres. Temperatures were near average in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch, and below average in Dunedin. Sunshine totals were above average in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and near average in Auckland and Hamilton.
Rainfall
Rainfall was almost 200 percent (twice) of normal in parts of Wanganui, Kapiti, Wellington, Wairarapa, and in Christchurch, and also above normal in coastal Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Manawatu, and Wairarapa. In contrast, August rainfall totals were 50 percent (half) or less of normal on the Kaikoura coast, and also below normal in Hawke’s Bay, Buller, much of Westland and Nelson, South Canterbury, and North and Central Otago.
Temperature
Mean temperatures were near average throughout much of New Zealand. However, they were about 0.5°C above average in parts of Hawke’s Bay. In contrast, temperatures were more than 0.5°C below average in parts of Otago.
Sunshine
Sunshine hours and/or solar radiation were at least 120 percent of normal in Otago, Southland, Gisborne, and Wellington and at least 110 percent of normal in Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu, Kapiti, Nelson, Westland, and Canterbury. Sunshine hours were near normal in most other regions.
Full report
- Full details of the August 2006 Climate Summary
For further information, please contact:
Dr Jim Salinger – Principal Scientist, Climate NIWA National Climate Centre – Auckland Phone +64 9 375 2053 [email protected]
Stuart Burgess – Climatologist NIWA National Climate Centre – Wellington Phone +64 4 386 0569 [email protected]
Geoff Baird – Communications Manager Phone +64 4 386 0543 [email protected]
Acknowledgement of NIWA as the source is required.