A February which produced heatwaves and tropical cyclones has been confirmed by Raglan Weather as having three very warm days in Raglan. These were 14th (31 degrees), 21st (31 degrees) and 28th (28 degrees), when these peak temperatures were recorded. Historical records indicate that this February was the hottest on record for Auckland.
Although the final week of February was cooler, all of the North Island was 1.2C hotter than its mean temperature in February.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research climate scientist Georgina Griffiths said last month was a tale of two islands, with the North Island sweltering in dry, hot conditions, while the South Island had record rainfall. Rainfall in the central North Island was very last month.
The small amount of rainfall in the North Island meant soil moisture levels were deficient in usually damp areas – Wairarapa, Taranaki and even Wellington.
The abnormally high temperatures also encouraged many unwanted phenomena – greater numbers of jellyfish have been seem around Raglan Harbour and swarms of pesky household flies.
Niwa predicts a mild autumn in all parts of the country as the warmer La Nina temperatures fade before winter.