Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.)

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 1 ISSN 0111-1736

Meteorological Society Of New Zealand (Inc.)

NEWSLETTER 141 JUNE 2015

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 2 Meteorological Society Of New Zealand (Inc.) NEWSLETTER 141 JUNE 2015 PO Box 6523, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand Please forward contributions to Bob McDavitt, [email protected]

CONTENTS Page Samoan Seasons 3 Met Soc 2015 Conference 4-5 UV and skin Conference 6 Around the Regions 7-8 Autumn : NIWA review 9 Notable events 10-20 Christchurch, Ben Tichborne 21 Pick of the clips 22-54

Your Committee 2015 President Daniel Kingston Immediate Past President Sam Dean Auckland VP Jennifer Salmond Wellington VP James Renwick Christchurch VP Adrian MacDonald Dunedin VP vacant Hamilton VP Tim Gunn Secretary Katrina Richards Treasurer Andrew Tait Circulation Manager Sylvia Nichol Journal Editor Jennifer Salmond (assisted by James Renwick) Newsletter Editor Bob McDavitt HydroSoc Liaison: Charles Pearson General Committee Mike Revell James Lunny Stefanie Kremser Views and endorsements expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and advertisers, and not necessarily those of the Meteorological Society of New Zealand. The mention of specific companies or products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the Society.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 3 The Samoan seasonal calendar and its origins

Samoan seasonal descriptions are listed under the approximate equivalent month in Eng- lish, followed by an English translation and explanatory notes.

January : Utu va mua First yam digging. Utu va mua and Utu va muli, two brothers, led to the earth and brought the January storms with them when there was war in heaven and their party was beaten. During a great war on earth, they escaped to the heavens. The hills are the heaps of slain covered by earth dug up from the valleys. When the two brothers look down upon them, their weeping, wailing and exasperation causes the storm or hurricane. Aitu Great Ghost, Tagaloa Tele Big God February: Toe utu va, Digging yam again. Further digging up of the yams to raise storms. March :Faaafu Withering. From withering of the yam vine and other plants, which become coloured “like the shells” in March. Ta'a fanua: Roam or walk about the land. This is the name of a god worshipped in April. Atiu iti Small gods. From the household gods worshipped at the time. They are specially im- plored to bless the family for the year “with strength to overcome in quarrels and in bat- tles”. April Lo A kind of ish. From the name of a small ish which comes in plentiful shoals at this time of the year. Fagona: Destruction. The name of a god worshipped at the eastern extremity of the Samoan group of islands at this time. May Au nunu Stem crushed. This is from the crushed or pulverized state of the stem of the yam at that time. Others say the month was so named from multitudes of malicious demons supposed to be wandering about at that time. Even the ish of the sea were thought to be possessed and unusually savage in this month. May is often an unhealthy month, as it marks the transition from the wet season to the dry – hence the sickness and superstition. Sina White. From the worship of a goddess of that name. June Ologa manu The singing of birds. Named from the unusual joy among the birds over a plentiful supply of favourite buds and berries. The bright scarlet lowers of the Erythrina indica thenbegin to come out and attract a host of parakeets and other happy chirpers.

July Palolo mua The irst Palolo. Palolo “virides” are the worms that swim out from certain parts of the barrier reefs for three days every year and of which Samoans are very fond (all the more so from its rareness). Pa means to burst and lolo, fatty or oily. Hence, the origin of the name probably lies with the fatty or oily appearance of the worms as they break, burst, and are mixed up in heaps after they are caught. This is the irst month of the half-year called the Vaito'elauo season. The other half of the year is Vaipalolo season. August Toe palolo, Palolo muli:The last Palolo or the last of the palolo. September Muli fa End of the stem of a taro, Arum esculentum. The month is unusually dry and the scorching rays of the sun leave little of the taro stem except for a small piece at the end. Another derivation of Muli fa is the end of the season for catching the ish Fa. October Lotu o uaga Rain Prayers. Named after the special prayers offered to the gods for rain. November Taumafa mua The irst of plenty. Fish and other food become plentiful at this time and this is followed by the so-called palolo feasts. Public dinners in the houses of the leading men of the village are the order of the day. December :Toe taumafa The inish of the feasting or inal supper. Food is less plentiful after some of the December gales or tropical cyclones.

From https://www.niwa.co.nz/publications/wa/vol11-no2-june-2003/seasons-in-samoa#calendar

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For more information about this conference check http://uvandskincancer2015.org

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Around the Regions Meetings and seminars open to Met Soc members during autumn 2015 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

AUCKLAND 16 May : as part of the Speakers’ Corner during Auckland Writers Festival Editor of Living In A Warmer World , Jim Salinger argues that climate change science is indisputable and that we must urgently seek to understand what it will mean for all our futures: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Wellington 19th March 2015 Speaker: Dr Alex Pezza (Greater Wellington Regional Council) Title: Remote connections to heat waves: The Australian lesson, and what we could learn from it Abstract: This talk was divided in two parts: The irst part showed some signiicant indings reveal- ing remote (broad) climate connections related to heat waves in south-eastern Australia, as part of the work done with Melbourne University connected with an ARC (Australian Research Council) Dis- covery Project, and jointly with Victoria University of Wellington. Discussion covered how the general climate signature relates to severe heat waves (in both the atmosphere and the ocean), some of the environmental and social impacts (e.g., bushires, human mortality), and recent climate change projections based on the latest IPCC climate models. In the second part of the talk Dr Alex re-introduced himself as the newly appointed Senior Climate Scientist of the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), giving a brief overview of the environmental (and climate) monitoring conducted by GWRC, and a few hints of how we may envisage our future climate monitoring needs and our interaction with VUW, MetService and NIWA. The talk con- cluded with time for questions and discussions about how we can all join forces together to help our community to become more informed and better prepared for future climate variability and change.

21st May Title: Why Oh why is Antarctic sea ice extent increasing? What 3 years of Marsden funding can tell us. Speaker: Professor James Renwick, Victoria University, Physical Geography Programme Abstract: A VUW-NIWA team was successful in the 2014 Marsden round and will be spending the next three years gaining a better understanding of what’s going on with Antarctic sea ice. Bucking the global warming trend, total Antarctic sea ice extent has been increasing for years, reaching record highs in the past two winters. The reasons for this are poorly understood. The increase in extent is far from uniform – near the Antarctic Peninsula, ice is disappearing as fast as in the Arctic. Mean- while, the Ross Sea region and the eastern Weddell Sea have experienced large increases. Climate models generally fail to reproduce this picture, perhaps because the trends are partly a result of ‘random’ variability in the climate system, or perhaps the models are missing some key processes? One key process not included in climate models is the effect of ocean surface waves upon the sea ice ield. Recent work shows that ocean waves are much more important for sea ice formation and break -up than was previously thought. Plus, trends in signiicant wave height over the southern oceans correlate extremely well with regional trends in sea ice extent. The effects of ocean waves on the loe size distribution is not considered at all in climate models. A key part of the Marsden project will be to add ocean wave effects to a state-of-the-art sea ice model and see if that improves the simulations. Along the way, we will generate a new simulation of Southern Hemisphere ocean waves driven by the ERA-Interim reanalyses. Plus, we will provide a much more complete description (and, hopefully, understanding) of observed trends in sea ice concentration and overlying atmospheric winds, by season and region. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Dunedin : 12 March: The New Zealand Climate Change Centre: What is it and why we need it, by Andrew Tait

25th March Managing urban climate risk in a changing world, by Dr Jennifer Salmond, University of Auckland 9th April Dr Greg Bodeker, Owner and Director, Bodeker Scientiic "Running a private research company in New Zealand – the Bodeker Scientiic experience"

14th May , film screening: “Thin Ice – the inside story of climate science

27th May , seminar: “Rapid glacier recession – implications for glacier tourism”, Heather Purdie (University of Canterbury).

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 9 Autumn 2015 A mild autumn for most of the country Temperature Autumn temperatures were above average (+0.51°C to +1.20°C) for many parts of the country. It was a particularly warm autumn in parts of eastern Canterbury, West Coast and Taranaki where temperatures were well above average (> +1.20°C). Temperatures were near average (-0.50°C to +0.50°C) in southeastern parts of Southland and Otago, inland mid-Canterbury and parts of the central North Island.

Rainfall Rainfall was below normal (50-79%) or well below normal (< 50%) for some eastern areas of New Zealand including South Canterbury, North Canterbury, Wairarapa, northern Hawke’s Bay and Gis- borne. Rainfall was either above normal (120-149%) or well above normal (> 149%) for southwestern and western parts of both the South Island and North Island, and much of Waikato. In contrast, rainfall was plentiful for many western parts of New Zealand. Rainfall was either above normal (120-149% of autumn normal) or well above normal (> 149% of the autumn normal) for southwestern and western parts of both the South Island and North Island, and much of Waika- to. Kapiti Coast observed an especially wet autumn, with parts of the region receiving in excess of 200% of normal autumn rainfall. Rainfall was typically near normal (80-119% of the autumn normal) for remaining areas of the country.

Soil moisture As of 1 June 2015, soil moisture levels were below normal for this time of year for East Cape, coastal Wairarapa, southern Marlborough and eastern parts of Canterbury. It was especially dry about North Canterbury where soils were considerably drier than normal for this time of year.

Sunshine Autumn sunshine was above normal (110-125%) for the eastern Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and eastern North Canterbury where autumn sunshine. Most remaining areas of New Zealand received near normal sunshine (90-109%). The exception was parts of Taranaki and the West Coast where autumn sunshine was below normal (75-89%).

Overview Autumn temperatures were predominantly above average (0.51°C to 1.20°C above the autumn average) for the South Island, and the lower and upper North Island. It was an especially warm autumn for isolated parts of inland Taranaki, eastern Canterbury and the West Coast where temperatures were well above average (> 1.20°C above the autumn average). Temperatures were in the near average range (-0.50°C to +0.50°C) for southeastern parts of South- land and Otago, inland mid-Canterbury, and the central North Island including north Taranaki, Cen- tral Plateau and East Cape. The nation-wide average temperature in autumn 2015 was 14.0°C (0.8°C above the 1981-2010 autumn average, using NIWA’s seven-station temperature series which begins in 1909) (interm value).

Air pressure Pressures were below normal over New Zealand and the Tasman Sea during autumn, resulting in an anomalous westerly quarter airlow. This airlow anomaly was relected in the distribution of rainfall anomalies observed across New Zealand. Speciically, rainfall was below normal (50-79% of the autumn normal) or well below normal (< 50% of the autumn normal) for some eastern areas of New Zealand including South Canterbury, North Canterbury, Wairarapa, northern Hawke’s Bay and Gis- borne.

Further highlights The highest temperature was 32.1°C, observed at Hanmer Forest on 5 March.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 10 The lowest temperature was -9.0°C, observed at Hanmer Forest on 28 May. The highest 1-day rainfall was 206 mm, recorded at North Egmont 8 April. The highest wind gust was 178km/hr, observed at Cape Turnagain on 13 May. Of the six main centres in autumn 2015, Auckland was the warmest, Dunedin was the coolest and cloudiest, Christchurch was the driest, Hamilton was the wettest and Tauranga was the sunniest.

Of the available, regularly reporting sunshine observation sites, the sunniest four centres so far in 2015 (1 January to 31 May) are: Whakatane (1200 hours), Blenheim (1182 hours), Waipara West (1173 hours) and Appleby (1173 hours). Contact For further information, please contact: Mr Chris Brandolino, NIWA Forecaster – NIWA National Climate Centre

NOTABLE WEATHER IN NZ: AUTUMN 2015 After, a settled summer, autumn this year was much more changeable. A number of active weather systems, including an ex-tropical cyclone, affected NZ, bringing spells of heavy rain, gales, and some early snowfalls (though it was a generally warmer than normal period) to many areas.

MARCH 1st/2nd - Unusually warm in northern and eastern areas of both islands, under a north to northwest low. Takaka records a new March record high of 30C on 1st, while other maximums include 31C in Waione, 30C in Masterton (2nd), 29C at Castlepoint (2nd), and 28C in both Mangere, Auckland (1st), and Motueka. (2nd) Southwest Cape records a new March record high overnight minimum of 15C on the 2nd. 3rd - Heavy rain in Westland, due to stationary front. 111mm recorded in Greymouth. 5th-8th - Heavy rain and looding in some central areas. (see details below) 11th - Afternoon thunderstorms about central North Island and Buller. 12th - Thunderstorms in many parts of North Island and interior of upper South island. 15th-18th - Ex-tropical cyclone Pam affects weather in north and east of North Island. (see details below) 19th - Cold southerly low continues to affect eastern areas, while there are frosts in inland South Is- land areas. 20th - Unseasonably cold overnight in central and southern areas in wake of cold southerlies. -4C minimum in Waiouru. 22nd/23rd - Some heavy rain in northwest of South Island. 27th - Fog causes disruption at Auckland Airport. 28th - Thunderstorms on South Island West Coast, also Central Otago. One of these results in a downpour, causing looding in Alexandra in evening.

APRIL 2nd - Morning fog causes disruptions to Christchurch Airport. 2nd-4th - Warm spell in many areas, with maximums of 29C in Rangiora (4th), 28C in Riccarton, Christchurch (4th), 24C in Takaka (4th), and 25C in Martinborough. (3rd) 6th - Warm northerly low over NZ, with high maximums of 27C at Waione, 25C at Whatawhata (near Hamilton), and 23C (new April record) at Puysegur Point. 7th - Unusually warm temperatures continue (mainly in the east), with new April records broken in Cheviot (30C) and Waipara West. (29C) Mid 20s reached in many other places, but cooler southerlies bring the thermometer down during the afternoon in the South Island. Heavy rain develops in areas of central NZ exposed to the northwest, 64mm in Paraparaumu. 8th - Heavy rain in lower North Island due to slow-moving front. Palmerston North's 91mm is a new April record, while Whanganui records 63mm and Waione 27mm. A combination of cloud cover and a warm northwesterly airmass keeps overnight temperatures unusually high in northern and central

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 11 areas. Several new record high April minimums recorded, 19C at Castlepoint, and 18C in Masterton, Farewell Spit, and Nelson. 10th - Low cloud causes problems for Queenstown Airport. 12th-15th - Unseasonably cold southerly outbreak. (see details below) 16th - Frosty start to the day in many southern and inland areas as ridge replaces cold southwesterly low over NZ. -4C minimum at Pukaki; -2C in Timaru. 18th - Heavy rain in Waikato, due to a slow-moving front. Widespread surface looding in Hamilton, with 103mm recorded nearby at the city's airport. 25th - Heavy rain in Fiordland, under a strong, moist northerly low ahead of a trough in the South Tasman Sea. 164mm recorded at Secretary Island. (a new April record there) 27th/28th - Active trough crosses NZ, with heavy rain in several areas. Under-cutting southerly brings heavy rain to Christchurch and surrounds, with some localised surface looding in the city. Wellington is drenched by a downpour in the early hours of the 28th, with 18mm recorded in one hour at Kelburn. Signiicant surface looding results. 29th/30th - Cold southwesterly low spreads over South Island on the 29th, and North Island on 30th, though easing everywhere by end of day. Snow showers on southern South Island high country and the peaks of Banks Peninsula.

MAY 4th - Warm 22C maximums In Culverden and Darield. 5th - Puysegur Point records a 19C maximum in a northerly low, although heavy rain develops in that area later. 6th - Unusually warm in many eastern areas of South Island and Nelson region, under a northwesterly low. 27C maximum at Waiau (equal to May record high), and highs in mid 20s in many other places. New May records include 26C in Cheviot and 24C in Hanmer. Heavy rain about and west of the Southern Alps, with slips and looding closing SH6 at Haast Pass and SH94 to Milford Sound. Heavy rain later on Mt Taranaki, with 190mm recorded at North Egmont. 6th/7th - Northwesterly gales about Cook Strait and high country areas of both islands, causing power cuts in northern Wellington suburbs. 7th - Unseasonable warmth continues in east of South Island, and spreads to Nelson and eastern North Island areas. 25C maximum in Appleby is a new record for May, while other places record maximums into the low and mid-20s (25C in Kaikoura and 23C in Blenheim). Overnight minimums are exceptionally high too, averaging in the mid-teens in both islands, with many new May records broken. (19C at Waipara West and 18C in Blenheim). 8th - Another unusually warm start to the day in many areas, with overnight minimums again breaking new May records, thanks to a warm northwesterly airlow and cloud cover in many places (18C minimum in Wairoa, and 17C in Te Puke). 10th - Warm 24C maximum in Napier. 11th-16th - Unsettled period, including severe looding in Wellington region. (see details below) 24th-26th - Very cold outbreak with snow to low levels. (see details below) 27th-29th - Clear skies and light winds in wake of previous cold outbreak results in widespread frosts in many areas, severe in places. New May record lows (all recorded on the 29th) include -7C in Applebly, -6C in Christchurch, and -5C in Turangi. Lowest recorded temperature during this period is -9C in Hanmer on the 28th. (second lowest for May) 30th - Cloud cover following a cold night suppresses maximum temperatures in northwest of South Island, with only 7C in Motueka (new May record) and 10C in Takaka.

MAJOR EVENTS ======

5th-8th March - Heavy rain and looding in some central areas Several active frontal systems crossed the country during this period, following a month of generally settled weather over NZ. These systems brought heavy rain and looding to some areas, with the

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 12 looding in and around Westport on the 6th being especially severe.

As a trough of low pressure moved into the Tasman Sea on the 5th, a moist northerly low increased over southern and central areas of the country, with rain developing on the South Island West Coast. This rain became heavier overnight 5th/6th, as the main trough and associated fronts moved onto the South Island. At the same time, the northerly low brought unusually high temperatures in many areas, with maximums reaching 30C at Whatawhata (Waikato), 29C at many Auckland stations, and 27C at Ngawi.

An anticyclone remained slow moving well to the east and southeast of NZ on the 6th, slowing the system as it crossed central areas. Westland, Buller, and Nelson were drenched by heavy rain overnight 5th/6th and morning of the 6th, which caused extensive looding in these areas. Westport was particularly hard hit, with many streets under water, and the town cut off for a time. The town's rainfall total of 111mm on the 5th was a new March record, while Reefton recorded 74mm. Slips and looding closed many roads, including the Buller Gorge.

Gale force winds accompanied the rain, with gusts reaching 126 km/hr at Farewell Spit (a new March record) and 98 km/hr in Nelson.

The weather eased by the afternoon as the trough and fronts moved away, followed by a westerly low. However, a low deepened in the South Tasman at the same time, and soon turned the low to a moist northwesterly over the South Island.

This low moved over NZ during the 7th, with more heavy rain to areas exposed to the north and west, including those areas already affected by the earlier looding. The heaviest falls occurred in thunderstorms in the unstable air, with a downpour causing signiicant surface looding in Welling- ton. Undercutting cooler southerlies spread onto the South Island, with heavy rain in some eastern areas overnight 7th/8th. However, this wasn't heavy enough to cause problems, and was actually welcome as it affected areas that had previously been very dry.

As the low moved to the southwest on the 8th, the weather improved over NZ with an easing southwesterly low.

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Mean sea-level analyses for midday NZDT 5 March to midday NZDT 8 March in 12 hour steps are shown here. ======15th-18th March - Ex-tropical cyclone Pam affects the weather in north and east of North Is- land After leaving tropical waters, ex -tropical cyclone Pam delivered a period of stormy weather to the northeast of the North Island.

Forming in tropical waters, Pam caused damage in several island groups in its path, but left a trail of massive devastation in Vanuatu. Forecasts predicted it to severely affect NZ's weather, as its project- ed path was forecast to close to the North Island. Some media made comparisons to past devastating ex-tropical storms, such as Giselle/Wahine and Bola, but this one was at least expected to move more quickly.

In the end, it started to affect NZ from the 15th, as it reached waters to the northeast of the North Is- land, and then moving southeast to lie well east of the country on the 17th. Easterly gales lashed

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 14 northeastern areas from Northland to the Bay of Plenty on the 15th, and then southerlies blasted the east down to Hawkes Bay. Heavy rain affected some of these areas, while large swells battered coastlines as far south as Canterbury. The worst affected area was the east coast north of Gisborne, where a combination of heavy rain, gales, and big seas caused disruptions including road closures caused by fallen trees and power-lines. Swells are large as 9 metres were reported.

On the 17th/18th, Pam moved away to the southeast of NZ, but as it did, it delivered severe gales and heavy seas to the Chatham Islands (where a state of emergency was declared) Over NZ, it left a cold south to southwest low in its wake, which slowly eased on the 18th. Snow fell on some South Island ranges, but otherwise the weather gradually improved over the country.

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Mean sea-level analyses for midday NZDT 15 March to midday NZDT 18 March in 12 hour steps are shown here. ------12th-15th April - Unseasonably early cold southerly outbreak A generally milder than normal autumn ended dramatically during this period, as a very cold southerly outbreak swept up over NZ, bringing unseasonably early snow to low levels in the South Island and the central North Island.

A strong, disturbed west to northwest low covered NZ on the 12th, with fronts bringing wet weather to the west and south of the South Island.

Late that evening, the low tended much colder southwesterly in the far south, and this airmass spread over the rest of the country on the 13th, with showers in most areas. As a deep low formed to the southeast of the South Island, very cold southerlies developed in the lower part of the island, with snow to low levels. Queenstown achieved a new record April low 3C maximum (it was only 0C there at 11.15am, as snow fell), while Alexandra topped at just 6C. Most Otago and Southland stations recorded wintry highs between 4C and 7C, many of these being new record lows for April. The southerly spread onto Canterbury late afternoon and evening, bringing snow to low levels there too. Overnight 13th/14th, the snow blanketed Banks Peninsula, the Port Hills (as low as 100m in places), and the upper plains and foothills. Sleet fell in Christchurch.

Ahead of the change, strong northwesterlies covered the North Island at irst with temperatures still warm in the east (21C in Gisborne at 11am) However, the low tended cooler southwesterly during the day, following the irst cold front. A southerly change about Wellington resulted in a brief period of heavy rain, which caused some localised surface looding.

By the 14th, the unseasonably cold airmass had swept over to North Island, with snow as low as 600m in the central high country, blanketing Waiouru and Ohakune (only 6C maximum in latter place) A cold, disturbed south to southwest low persisted over NZ until early on the 16th. Heavy seas battered coastlines in the east and about Cook Strait, with waves reportedly as high as 10 metres forcing the cancellation of Interislander ferries and pushing debris onto Wellington's southern coasts.

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Mean sea-level analyses for midday NZST 12 April to midday NZST 15 April in 12 hour steps are shown here. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 17 11th-16th May - Unsettled period, including severe looding in Wellington region A series of troughs and fronts brought very unsettled and wet weather to many parts of the country during this period, especially in areas exposed to the north and west. The worst weather during this period was a rainstorm which caused severe looding in the Kapiti Coast and Wellington areas.

An active trough in the South Tasman moved towards the South Island on the 11th, with a disturbed northwesterly low spreading onto NZ. Overnight 11th and into the12th, heavy falls of rain in thunderstorms affected many areas exposed to the north and west of both islands. A small tornado caused some damage in Urenui, North Taranaki, while a heavy downpour resulted in widespread surface looding in Wellington. Gales were reported in several areas, with a 100 km/hr gust recorded in Whakatane. As the trough moved away on the 12th, a cool southwesterly low spread over the country. A southerly change brought some thunderstorms to Canterbury (including Christchurch), but the weather cleared in most areas overnight 12th/13th.

However, this clearance wasn't to last long, as pressures fell due to a new trough spreading into the Tasman Sea, resulted in disturbed northwesterlies returning to most of NZ. During the 14th, the trough morphed into a large and complex low pressure system, with centres over and to the west of the lower South Island, and fronts bringing very moist air onto northern and western areas in a northwesterly low. Thunderstorms and heavy rain consequently spread to these areas on the 13th, and to the north of the North Island on the 14th.

Torrential rain affected northern parts of the Wellington region and the Kapiti Coast, resulting in severe looding there by the 14th. Roads and railway lines were closed, with many people unable to get home from Wellington. Homes were evacuated at Raumati Beach when a nearby river broke its banks, and a man was drowned at Petone. Paraparaumu recorded 116mm on the 14th, a new May record.

Also on the 14th, a tornado damaged 20 properties in Mt Maunganui, including the Baypark Stadium. Another tornado was reported to have done some damage at Cooper's Beach in the far north.

During the 15th, the system moved further east, allowing a colder southerly low to spread over the South Island, with some snow on the high country (chains were needed on SH94 in Fiordland) Squal- ly northwesterly gales and some more thunderstorms lashed some northern areas, with a 91 km/hr gust recorded in Rotorua.

The low pressure system cleared the northeast on the 16th, with a south to southwest low gradually easing over NZ.

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Mean sea-level analyses for midday NZST 11 May to midday NZST 16 May in 12 hour steps are shown here ======

24th-26th May - Very cold outbreak with snow to low levels An unseasonably warm spell during the irst half of May gave way to cooler conditions from the mid- dle of the month. However, a very cold southwesterly swept over NZ on the 24th/25th, bringing snow to low levels in many areas. A south to southwest low persisted through the 26th, with gales and heavy swells about exposed eastern coasts.

In the wake of a trough departing the North island (which dumped some heavy rain in parts of Auck- land, with resultant looding) A cool, disturbed southwesterly low already covered NZ on the 24th. Cold fronts moved onto the South Island during the afternoon, bringing increasingly cold weather, with hail and snow lowering to low levels in Southland during the afternoon and further north over the island in the evening. Heavy falls affected parts of Central Otago, with as much as 30cm recorded in Arrowtown, and 10 -25cm in Queenstown, Cromwell, and Wanaka. Not surprisingly, many roads and schools were closed in Otago. About 10cm snow blanketed Dunedin's hill suburbs and caused disruption there; lurries falling, but not settling to sea -level in the city.

Overnight and into the morning of the 25th, the very cold airmass swept over the North Island, with snow to low levels on the southern and central hills and high country as far north as the outskirts of Taupo. Higher hills around Wellington were dusted, with lurries as low as Karori. However, the most signiicant snow was in Hawkes Bay, where snow settled to low levels - brief lurries even reaching sea-level in Napier. Care was needed on Hawkes Bay and central North Island high country roads and the Rimutaka Hill Road, but only the Napier-Taihape road was closed. Daytime maximums were very low, with only 8C in Turangi and 9C at Mahia.

Gale force southwesterly winds accompanied the icy weather in many places. High gusts included 96

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 20 km/hr in Lyttelton, 89 km/hr in Hawera, and 82 km/hr in Taupo. The gales whipped up large swells through Cook Strait, forcing the cancellation of Interislander ferries.

A strong, cold south southwesterly low continued over NZ through the 26th. Temperatures had risen a little though, with snow showers conined to higher levels. However, heavy swells continued to batter many eastern coasts and Cook Strait, with Interislander ferry crossings still disrupted. Heavy frosts were recorded in sheltered areas where the weather had cleared, with Blenheim's -5C minimum being a new May record.

Mean sea-level analyses for midday NZST 24 May to midday NZST 26 May in 12 hour steps are shown here. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 21 MONTHLY WEATHER NOTES FOR CHRISTCHURCH – AUTUMN 2015

MARCH Conditions this month were more changeable, in contrast to the settled summer weather of the previous few months. Some heavy rain fell in the city overnight on the 5th (the irst signiicant fall in over a month), as a cool southerly followed a low. As ex-tropical cyclone Pam moved to the east of NZ, a cold southerly low brought showers from the 16th-19th, with fresh snow on the Alps. While Christchurch escaped any severe weather from this system, Pam did result in heavy seas battering the coast.

APRIL A month of contrasts, temperatures were generally warmer than normal, yet the most notable fea- ture of April was a very early wintry blast, with snow to low levels. The irst eight days were warm and generally dry, with north to northwest lows predominating. From the 9th-11th, a trough crossed over, with some light rain and bringing a change to cooler southerlies. However, a much more active system moved onto the South Island on the 12th, preceded by a mild northwesterly low over Canterbury. A low formed to the southeast the next day, with a cold southwesterly low and some snow on Banks Peninsula tops overnight. It was dry in Christchurch, however, until the evening, when the low turned very cold southerly. Through to the early morning of the 14th, the city was lashed by rain, hail, and sleet. Snow fell to very low levels (100m or even lower) on the Port Hills, and on the plains. Strong southwesterlies continued through to the end of the next day, but with only a few brief showers. For the next few weeks, a number a weaker troughs moved over. A more active trough crossed the South Island on the 27th/28th, with periods of rain in Christchurch; briely heavy overnight with localised surface looding. Colder southwesterlies then prevailed for the last few days of the month (not nearly as cold as the mid-month outbreak), with some brief showery periods, but mostly ine. Light snow dusted Banks Peninsula peaks early on the 30th.

MAY This was a drier, miler, and sunnier month than normal, though there was a sharp contrast between some unusually warm weather in the irst half and wintry conditions later in the month. A predomi- nance of northwesterly lows resulted in the warm weather (some days in the low-mid 20s) in the early part of the month, interrupted by a brief thunderstorm and cold southerly change during the afternoon of the 12th. Southerly and southwesterly changes were much more prominent in the second half of May. Some hail fell on the evening of the 21st, but a much more signiicant very cold outbreak occurred overnight 24th/25th. This brought some hail and sleet to the city and a dusting of snow above about 300m on the Port Hills. Heavier snow showers to low levels and southerly gales lashed Banks Peninsula. From the 27th, anticyclonic conditions following the southerlies resulted in heavy frosts.

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Lesson on ozone layer falls from sky 4 March, 2015 NATASHA THYNE Timaru Herald http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/66916468/Lesson-on-ozone-layer-falls-from-sky

Mytchall Bransgrove OZONE EDUCATION: School pupils - from left, Charlotte Watson, Briannah Had- ield-Broatch, Maggie Divan, and Clint Christey - investigative the Niwa ozone sonde which fell near the school. When a pupil at Albury School wanted to learn about the ozone layer, the answers fell from the sky. A National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) ozone sonde (a form of balloon) landed in a paddock which belongs to a family at the school. They brought it in to school and the school intends to return it to the Niwa Atmospheric Observatory in Lauder, Central Otago. The arrival of the ozone sonde was well-timed as the previous week one of the pupils had asked about learning more on what the ozone layer was. In return for the balloon, Niwa said it would send them more information. There was also a reward of $60 for anyone who returned the sonde with the form illed out with the co-ordinates of where and when it was found. The sonde was released from Lauder on January 7 and was part of a programme which measures and monitors atmospheric composition. The sonde has sensor technology which takes a proile of the ozone layer as it goes up and goes down. One sonde is released each week, and has been done so since 1987. Niwa atmospheric scientist Olaf Morgenstern said there were radio transmitters in each sonde which allowed the scientists to received data in real time, as most were never seen again. If possible, Morgenstern said, Niwa would like to reuse the sondes. However, of those released only a quarter were returned. He said a lot of the sondes fell into the ocean or in remote places on land. The Niwa group in Lauder is part of a global network which monitors what is going on in the atmosphere. The nearest sites are at the South Pole, and in Australia and South America.

El Nino has inally arrived - but it's weak MICHAEL DALY 7 March, 2015 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67083166/el-nino-has-inally-arrived--but-its-weak The US has decided the long awaited El Nino weather pattern has arrived - but it's weak and not expected to have widespread or global impacts. The advice that El Nino had arrived represented an "incremental crossing of the borderline", the US National Weather Service said. "Still, after months of hovering under the threshold, we can now say that El Nino conditions have arrived."

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 23

In New Zealand El Nino events are typically, but not always, associated with stronger and more frequent westerly winds. That can lead to drier conditions in eastern and northern areas and more rain in western areas. In a seasonal climate outlook published during the week Niwa put the probability of El Nino conditions developing over the next three months around 45 per cent. The probability rose to about 60 per cent between June and August. (Abridged)

More wild weather expected in central New Zealand March 7 2015 TIM DONOGHUE Dominion Post http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67091181/more -wild-weather-expected-in-central-new-zealand.html

@jessbovey/Twitter Flooding affects the Johnsonville shops. Wellington bore the brunt of lash looding on Satur- day, which threw trafic into chaos in some parts of the city. At the Newlands onramp on State Highway 1 at least two cars had to be dragged out of deep puddles, a police spokeswoman said. Heavy rain began falling over Wellington city about 2pm. MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said 11 millimetres of rain fell within a two hour period throughout the region while wind at Wellington Airport gusted up to 87kph.

Suzi Chadwick CHURTON PARK: water levels on this street rose about 1m within 30mins The Met Service had issued severe thunderstorm warnings for most parts of the country on Saturday morning. In Auckland the World Cup cricket clash between Pakistan and South Africa experienced a minor rain delay in the afternoon before the match was completed just before 9.45pm. (Abridged)

Worst weather over - MetService 7 March 2015 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/268007/worst-weather-over-metservice

Photo: SUPPLIED The mayor of the Buller District says with the worst rain almost over, locals are keen for ine weather so they can get on with the clean up. A MetService forecaster, Peter Little, says there will be a few more showers this afternoon, heavy at times, but the weather should ease from tomorrow. Buller District mayor Garry Howard said the biggest problem with more rain would be delays in cleaning up the 17 properties looded yesterday. The torrential rain yesterday caused widespread havoc in many areas, with several homes and businesses swamped, slips blocking roads and loods trapping drivers and campers. Schools were closed in Westport, and several streets and homes were looded in Westport, Reefton and Greymouth.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 24 About 117 millimetres of rain fell over six hours, which closed State High- way 6 through the Buller Gorge. The road is now open. (Abridged)

Wild, stormy weekend weather to subside 8 March, 2015 BLAIR ENSOR

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67097400/wild -stormy-weekend -weather-to-subside

Rebecca Thomson WET AND WILD: Flooding on Brooklyn Road, Mt Cook, Wel- lington. Thunderstorms and heavy rain battered parts of southern and central New Zealand late Satur- day night. Welling- ton bore the brunt of lash looding which threw trafic into chaos in some parts of the city. Near Christchurch, lightning lit up the night sky. A spokesperson for Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu said the overnight rain turned the Te Matatini grounds in Hagley Park into a "mud pie" and advised festival-goers to bring boots and coats. The one-day Wellington music festival Homegrown has been postponed as heavy rain and strong winds were set to batter the capital. The festival was due to begin this afternoon, with a sold-out crowd of 17,000 people to see artists including Shapeshifter, Shihad and David Dallas. MetService forecaster Richard Finnie said a few "pesky" showers would clear from the east coast of the South Island on Sunday morning. (Abridged)

Wild weather begins to back off Sunday Mar 8, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11413857

Wild weekend weather caused trouble on the roads. Photo / Andrea Jane Varcoe Stormy weather and torrential rain that battered parts of the country has inally made way for more

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 25 settled weather, forecasters say. Last night, stormy weather battled the capital, with thunder, lightning, strong winds and heavy rain. Today, MetService meteorologist Erick Bren- strum said all severe weather warnings and watches for heavy rain and strong winds had been cancelled. "The last of it died away overnight," he said. "Today we have got a much more settled day, there is still some light showers over western parts of both islands and one or two down in Canterbury, Kaikoura coast. But a lot of places are ine, and the winds are dropping and tomorrow looks like a pretty good day for most people as well." Mr Brenstrum said thunder storms also affected Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Nelson and Buller yesterday, as well as Wellington. "All of that's gone and some of those places have just a few light showers left. The drama is over and we have settled weather for the next few days." (Abridged)

NIWA’s research receives international recognition Tuesday, 10 March 2015 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1503/S00040/niwas -research-receives-international-recognition.htm World-class climate and ozone research by scientists at NIWA’s Lauder Atmospheric Research Sta- tion has been recognised by meteorology’s leading organisation in Geneva, making Lauder the fourth upper-air site in the world to be certiied by the global climate-data network. Information collected by the weekly launch of the Lauder station’s radiosonde weather and ozone balloon soundings, together with associated ground-based measurements, will receive oficial Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper Air Network (GRUAN) certiication at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Congress in Geneva in June. This is a signiicant international endorsement of the capabilities of Lauder Station as a world-class upper-air measurement site. Stable, standardised, and well-calibrated atmospheric observations are crucial to documenting climate and climate change. The standard network of upper-air meteorological observations, and also weather satellites, provide relatively good coverage but high-quality observations are needed against which these standard observations can be calibrated. This is the purpose of GRUAN. For this reason, Lauder is paired with the Invercargill radiosonde site operated by the MetService, which produces twice-daily soundings of the atmosphere. NIWA’s Lauder Station, near Alexandra in Central Otago, is well-known in the global atmospheric science community for its climate research and joins a select group of research stations with GRUAN- certiied measurement programmes – Spitsbergen in Norway, Lindenberg in Germany, Boulder, Colo- rado, in the US. Sodankyla in Finland was recently certiied as the ifth. Presently Lauder is the only such-certiied site in the Southern Hemisphere. Lauder’s certiication will be presented to New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the WMO, Pe- ter Lennox, CEO of MetService, relecting the expected close collaboration between NIWA and Met- Service in managing and operating the GRUAN site at Lauder. Ahead of WMO Congress, an event will be held at Lauder Station on Tuesday 10 March attended by NIWA and MetService executive, scientists and invited media. ends

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 26 'There's debris everywhere, buildings are destroyed' Sat, 14 Mar 2015 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/336248/dozens-feared-dead-after-cyclone-pam-pummelled-vanuatu

This EarthWindMap shows Cyclone Pam's estimated location at 4am Monday 16 March, with TC NATHAN lin- gering on the Queen- land coast. Unicef New Zealand executive director Vivien Maidaborn said: "While it is too early to say for certain, early reports are indicating that this weather disaster could potentially be one of the worst in Pa- ciic history. "The sheer force of the storm, combined with communities just not set up to withstand it, could have devastating results for thousands across the region." Dozens of people are feared dead after Cyclone Pam pummelled Vanuatu overnight, with those on the ground describing the "utter devastation" it has caused in the capital. The category 5 storm was travelling in the direction of the most populated island of Efate, where more than 65,000 people live, including the capital Port Vila. "The southern islands (total population 32,540) are also likely to be directly hit," the agency said. "TC Pam is near peak intensity with winds in the eye region averaging 130 to 140 knots (250 to 270 km/h) with gusts up to 180 knots (340 km/h)," it said in its most recent update.

Care International has spoken with it's project manager on the ground in Port Vila and heard of the "utter devastation" in the capital.

Media advisor Dylan Quinnell said project manager Charlie Damon de-

scribed to him what she found when she emerged from her shelter this morning. "The winds had died down a bit and basically what they've found is a scene of utter devastation. The trees are down all around the hotel where they were sheltering. Charlie said to me she thinks it would be most of the day just to clear the trees around the hotel for vehicle access. UNICEF Paciic:Waves and scattered debris, caused by Cyclone Pam, at Port Vila.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 27 vehicle access. Photo / NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Re- sponse Team

Mr Quinnell said he understood initial reports were dozens of people may have lost their lives but there was no way to verify that yet. (Abridged)

Cyclone Pam: North Island braces for wrath of storm Sunday Mar 15, 2015 S. Ryan, K. John- ston, N. Papatsoumas, P. Dougan http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11417449

Tropical Cyclone Pam is slowly weakening as it approaches New Zealand, but will still be "a very powerful tropical cyclone" as it passes the country within a few hundred kilometres. The storm is currently northeast of Whangarei, with the most intense winds around the centre of the low expected to hit the northeastern corner of East Cape tomorrow, WeatherWatch said. The cyclone's centre would likely remain offshore. "Pam's outer bands arrived this afternoon with rain this evening now setting into Northland, Auck- land, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Gisborne and some parts of Hawkes Bay," Weather- Watch analyst Philip Duncan said. The eye of the storm was expected to track "far enough east to avoid causing too much damage in Auck- land", Mr Duncan said.

Colourised Infrared Satellite map show the structure of Cyclone Pam is now changing signiicantly as it begins the transition to Ex-Tropical Cyclone. Photo / MTSAT MetService said Tropical Cyclone Pam had been downgraded to a category 4 cyclone.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 28

The latest forecast track of Pam approaching NZ. Photo / JTWC / US GOVT

GFS (US Govt) wind map for Monday morning - purples, reds and oranges indicate the damaging winds .

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 29 In the Bay of Plenty, the brunt of the storm would hit Tauranga between 6pm tonight and 9pm Monday, Met- Service meteorologist Chelsea Glue said. Participants at the Farmlands Horse of the Year Show are advised to delay travelling to Hastings with 100mm of rain and 120km/h winds likely to hit between 1am and 2pm tomorrow. Heavy swells expected MetService meteorologist Fulong Lu said Cyclone Pam was expected to remain a very deep system as it passed to the east of the country late Monday and Tuesday. Apart from heavy rain and severe gales, the cyclone was also expected to bring very heavy swells to the North Island east coast from Northland to Hawke's Bay. "A high sea warning with hurricane force wind is in force with this system, which also brings torrential rain, unusually heavy swells and very large waves.

Cyclone Pam weakening as it nears New Zealand 16 March 2015 COLLETTE DEVLIN AND IAN STEWARD http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67382617/cyclone-pam-bears-down-on-new-zealand

Civil Defence This image shows Cyclone Pam north of New Zealand at 6pm, Sunday Wet weather has reached parts of the North Island as a downgraded Cyclone Pam tracks closer to New Zealand. Cyclone Pam is 500km east-northeast of Cape Reinga moving swiftly southeast at 55 kmh. The cyclone has left a path of destruction in Vanuatu, where dozens of people were feared killed when it hit yesterday. MetService manager of forecasting operations Ramon Oosterkamp said the cyclone was expected to recurve south- ward before passing about 150km east of East Cape at midday on Monday.

METSERVICE INCOMING: The cyclone sitting above New Zealand, as at 8am on Sun- day. MetService meteorologist Arno Dyason said there had been reports of offshore gusts as high as 125 kph accompanied by large swells, and of a power outage in Ka- mo in Whangarei. Rain was falling in Gisborne with around 200mm expected to accumulate around Gisborne, the ranges of northern Hawkes Bay and eastern Bay of Plenty, with lesser but still signiicant amounts near the coast of northern Hawkes Bay and the hills and ranges further south.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 30 Great Barrier business owner Chris Ollivier said it was "starting to blow reasonably hard" by 9.45pm. Auckland Maritime Police rescued a boat that had broken its moorings in Waitemata Harbour on Sunday afternoon. Another boat had also broken moorings near one of Auckland's eastern beaches and had to be rescued, he said. Westlake said many people were observed battening down their hatches today and he advised people to leave their boats alone overnight, no matter the weather, as attempting to reach them in the dark could be dangerous. The cyclone weakened to a category 4 storm as it tracks down the Paciic to New Zealand and was expected to be downgraded to a tropical storm around 7am. EVENTS AFFECTED The arrival of Cyclone Pam has brought bad news for some events around the country. The threat of the storm forced US band The Eagles to bring forward their concert start time to 6pm. The Southern Hemisphere's largest equestrian show could also be affected. Organisers of the Horse of the Year show, a ive-day event due to begin at the Hawke's Bay A & P showgrounds on Tuesday, are scrambling as the looming bad weather heads towards the region. (Abridged)

Cyclone Pam bears down on New Zealand 16 March 16 2015 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67410370/live-cyclone-pam-bears-down-on-new-zealand

MetService rain radar image from 3.30am Monday . MetService says wind gusts of 150kmh were recorded near Kaeo in Northland and 144kmh at Chan- nel Island between Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island overnight. Rain has been heavy overnight in Gisborne. More than 100 people have been evacuated from their homes on the East Cape as Cyclone Pam brings rain, high winds and large swells. MetService says the storm has been downgraded to an intense extra tropical cyclone but still poses a threat. It is likely to bring "extremely strong wind gusts, heavy rain and phenomenal waves", forecasters say.

East Coast takes stock after Pam 16 March 2015 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/ national/268704/east-coast-takes- stock-after-pam

As the remnants of Cyclone Pam move south down New Zealand's East Coast, some residents are breathing a sigh of relief, while others are mopping up. The worst may not be over yet, as MetService says the storm could intensify as it moves towards the Chatham Islands, where a state of emergency has been declared. MetService said wind gusts of up to 140 kilometres an hour were recorded in northern Gisborne and more than 150 millimetres of rain had fallen in the Gisborne Ranges.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 31 Bridge over Uawa River at Tolaga Bay on Monday. Pho- to: RNZ / Alexander Robert- son

Most of the 100 people evacuated in the region will be allowed to return home tonight. Civil Defence said those who left their homes could return once the strong winds and high seas receded. Those from Anarua Bay, however, were being told not to go home because of the uncertain effects of the high tide tomorrow morning. Power is still off for 350 customers and seven roads are expected to remain closed overnight. Schools are expected to re-open tomorrow. Gisborne Civil Defence emergency manager Richard Steele told Checkpoint the worst of the weather had passed but not without causing a reasonable amount of damage. "The sea has come over some of the low-lying coastal communities, throwing logs and driftwood and rocks across the roads and into people's sections." In Tokomaru Bay, where winds reached 160 kilometres an hour earlier today, one man will need a new roof after the storm brought a tree down on his house. The cyclone, which brought widespread destruction to Vanuatu, has been downgraded but is still carrying intense winds. Further north, wind gusts of 144 kilometres an hour were recorded in exposed parts of the Hauraki Gulf overnight and similar strength wind in parts of Northland. Power was cut to almost 2000 homes in the Auckland region following high winds but has now mostly been restored. (Abridged)

Surface looding closes part of highway in Wellington 16 March 2015 MICHAEL FORBES Dominion Post ROSS GIBLIN/Stuff.co.nz http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/67418046/Surface-looding-closes-part-of-highway-in-Wellington

ROBERT KITCHIN/Fairfax NZ Train passengers at Welling- ton Railway Station. Mark Owen from NZTA ex- plains how two incidents north of Wellington ground trafic to a halt across the city. Wellington motorists have had to suffer through rush hour delays after surface looding linked to ex-tropical cyclone Pam partially closed the main highway to Hutt Valley. Deep looding on State High- way 2, just north of the Ngauranga Interchange, reduced the road to one northbound lane about 4pm

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 32 on Monday. It remained shut until about 6pm. The lane closure backed up trafic heading north on the Urban Motorway, with the low -on effect clogging up trafic in the Wellington CBD and on other parts of the road network. New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Anthony Frith said the highway looding was serious enough at its peak to warrant closing a lane. Trains on Wellington's Johnsonville line were delayed during rush hour because of slippery track conditions. MetService meteorologist Steve Glassey said the wind and rain lashing the capital was a taste of ex- tropical cyclone Pam, which was sitting just east of Gisborne on Tuesday. "The ex-cyclone is a southerly one, so it's bringing a band of rain into Wellington." Southerly winds were also expected to hit 65kmh, with gusts up to 100kmh possible in exposed places, before also easing throughout Tuesday, Glassey said. (Abridged)

State of emergency declared on Chatham Islands 17 Mar 2015 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/336443/state-emergency-declared-chatham-islands

A state of local emergency has been declared for the Chatham Islands. The remnants of cyclone Pam were packing a punch in the Chatham Islands this afternoon, where trees had blown over and a local wharf was damaged. "It's still pelting down but it's a mixture of rain and wind so we're getting a bit of a buffeting at the mo- ment," said Alfred Preece, Chatham Island mayor. Locals were staying indoors and the mayor said there was very little trafic on the roads. Mr Preece said it was unclear how long it would take for the storm to pass. "This could run through like this for another day so that's a bit of a concern." MetService said the Chathams were experiencing mean wind speeds of 80km/h with gusts up to 110 km/h. (Abridged)

Is extreme weather the new normal? - NIWA Monday, 23 March, 2015 http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/extreme -weather-new-normal-niwa/5/217052 New Zealanders have just experienced one of the driest summers on record - great for beachgoers and cricket lovers, but far from ideal for farmers and orchardists relying on rain to maintain produc- tivity. This year’s ‘big dry’ comes just two years after the last widespread summer drought, which is estimated to have cost the rural sector $1 billion in lost earnings. New Zealand’s climate appears to be changing. Droughts seem more intense and frequent, wind- storms more violent, rainstorms and snowstorms more crippling. The rural sector in particular has faced unprecedented challenge brought about by recent extreme weather events. So is this the new reality? Is our climate changing faster than irst thought? How should the country respond to what’s happening and prepare for what’s yet to come? Deep South, one of 11 National Science Challenges conirmed by the Government following wide stakeholder and public consultation, will seek answers to these critically important questions. Professor David Frame, an internationally renowned climate researcher at Victoria University of Wellington, recently appointed Director of the NIWA-hosted Challenge, says scientists are making progress in understanding the links between extreme weather events and climate change. "Climate scientists are adopting techniques from medical researchers to establish how the odds of various events, like droughts, are likely to change in the coming decades."

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 33

"We are making progress, but different events have different meteorological drivers, and in some cas- es we can’t yet say as much as we would like because models can’t yet simulate all the relevant fea- tures." "What we can say, however, is that the extreme events we’ve experienced recently are a cause for people to think about how they prepare for a changing climate. Most New Zealanders now have an appreciation of the kind of weather the country could experience increasingly in the years to come. They understand the need to prepare for its impacts now." Deep South will signiicantly intensify research into the nature of New Zealand’s changing climate, and the likely impacts of that change on New Zealand society over the coming decades and centuries. Studies will focus on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (our ‘Deep South’), areas that play an important part in shaping weather systems and long-term climate patterns affecting New Zealand. Re- search in this part of the world has been piecemeal, or lacking altogether, until now. Leading -edge technology, including a new Earth Systems Model that will utilise the advanced pro- cessing power of NIWA’s supercomputer in Wellington, and unprecedented multi-sector collaboration will be keys to the success of the challenge. "Deep South will bring together the country’s most respected thought leaders working at the inter- face of science, business and public policy," says Roger France, Chairman of the Deep South Govern- ance Board. "Their goal is to transform the way New Zealanders can adapt, manage risk and thrive in a changing climate. Their work will focus on drought, freshwater availability, looding, coastal ero- sion and damaging storms, and their impacts on businesspeople, planners, regulators, Maori and New Zealand communities as a whole." "This is an ambitious undertaking that has the potential to transform New Zealand society," says Dr Rob Murdoch, NIWA’s General Manager of Research, who played a pivotal role in shaping the mission and terms of reference for Deep South. "We shouldn’t underestimate the work involved but we believe that by combining our collective strength and expertise and directing it into world-class research projects we have the ability to address one of the world’s most important issues." Partners in the challenge are NIWA, Antarctica New Zealand, GNS Science, Landcare Research, New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute, University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington.

World Meteorological Day 2015: climate knowledge for climate action http://blog.metservice.com/2015/03/world-meteorological-day-2015-climate-knowledge-for-climate-action/

Peter Lennox, MetService Chief Executive, is New Zealand’s Permanent Rep- resentative with the United Nations World Meteorology Organization. Each year on 23rd March, National Weather Services around the globe cel- ebrate World Meteorological Day. This marks the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on this day in 1950. WMO is the global co-ordinating agency for meteorological and hydrological activities, formed because weather simply doesn’t limit itself to national bound- aries. World Meteorological Day is an occasion to commemorate the work that national meteorological and hydrological agencies undertake 24 hours a day, 365 days per year – work that produces weather forecasts and warnings to help keep our communities safe. The recent passage of Cyclone Pam near Vanuatu and past New Zealand are timely reminders of these efforts. Collecting weather data … The routine collection of weather data is one part of MetService’s international responsibilities under the Global Observing System (GOS). Worldwide, weather agencies take observations of pressure, temperature, wind and rainfall around the clock. Data come from ships, buoys, weather balloons and land-based weather stations, and are transmitted via the WMO Global Telecommunication System (GTS). This is a world-wide stream of data used as input into global weather forecast models. The better we can “start off” (initialise) the global computer models as to the current state of the atmos-

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 34 phere, the better the future state will be predicted – and the more accurate the weather forecast will be for your place. In New Zealand alone, hundreds of weather stations from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga tell us how wet, warm, or windy it is every hour, as well as measuring pressure and humidity. Weather balloons are released twice daily at several locations around the country. Recently, MetService has collaborated with the U.K. MetOfice to enable kiwis to share their local weather data on the ‘Your Weather’ section of metservice.com via the ‘Weather Observation Website’ (WOW) system. … for climate knowledge, too This year, the theme for World Meteorological Day is ‘climate knowledge for climate action.’ This is a timely focus. Globally, 2014 was the warmest year on record and fourteen of the ifteen hottest years have occurred this century. But how do we know this? That’s right – we looked back at historical weather data. Think of climate as the sum of all the weather . If you smooth out all of the edges looking at things longer-term (from a climate perspective), it is possible to more clearly understand what is going on. Climate patterns such as the El Nino Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode are more ‘visible’ this way, including their effect on New Zealand wind, rain and temperature. ‘Reanalysis data’ is a very important tool for scientists trying to unlock the physical mechanisms be- hind our climate – trying to understand why we had a wet month, a warm year, or an active Cyclone season. Reanalysis datasets input historical weather data from around the globe into the same climate model, and extend it back over time. The relationships found in the past can help us forecast the future – this is the basis of seasonal climate predictions. For example, El Nino springs tend to be very cold in New Zealand, due to frequent southerly airstreams over the country. When we know an El Nino spring is coming, and in the absence of other major climate factors, the odds are that we’re in for an unusually cold spring.

Global temperature data (departure from normal), based on three different reanalysis datasets. The data all tell the same story – a rapid increase in global average temperature since the 1960s. There are many ex- amples of when historical weather data helps put things into climatic context. For example, people have asked, “is Cyclone Pam the worst Tropi- cal Cyclone to hit the South Paciic?”. The answer relies on good data being available. Since Cyclone Zoe (2002) and Cy- clone Pam (2015) both reached an estimated minimum central pressure of 890hPa, it looks like a tie. And although satellites provide a relatively short record, their data can also help answer questions about Tropical Cyclone frequency. No increase in Tropical Cyclone numbers has been observed in the South Paciic over the last few decades since reliable satellite data have been available.

MetService also contributes to international climate activities directly. MetService CEO Peter Len- nox is New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization. In addi- tion, MetService has supported several major climate initiatives in New Zealand recently.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 35

MetService and NIWA have collaborated to achieve oficial Global Climate Observing Sys- tem (GCOS) Reference Upper Air Network sta- tus for the NIWA atmospheric research station at Lauder in Central Ota- go. This is only the fourth upper-air site to be certiied in the world, and the irst in the southern hemisphere. Well- calibrated atmospheric observations are crucial to documenting climate and climate change. The standard network of upper-air meteorological observations, and also weather satellites, provide good coverage – but high-quality observations are needed against which these standard observations can be calibrated. The pairing of Lauder observations and MetService’s Invercargill radiosonde data will achieve the necessary calibration.

And NASA’s super pressure balloon is awaiting lift off at Wanaka, being delayed due to adverse winds associated with Cyclone Pam. Designed to drift eastwards at an altitude of 110,000 feet (‘near space’), NASA expects the super pressure balloon to circumnavigate across South America and then South Africa, on its potentially record -breaking light. Depending on the stratospheric wind speeds, the balloon should circumnavigate the earth every one to three weeks. The light goal is to exceed the current super-balloon light record of 54 days, and to maintain a constant loat altitude. If the balloon test is validated, this opens the door for relatively inexpen- sive atmospheric research. You can track the balloon here.

Weather Eye with John Maunder

The World Meteorological Organization WMO), is the successor of the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) which was created in 1873. Its fundamental mission is to support the countries of the world in providing meteorological and hydrological services to protect life and property from natural disasters related to weather, climate, and water, to safeguard the environment, and to contribute to sustainable development. This cannot happen without the necessary observations, research and operations that develop the understanding and knowledge of weather and climate. Since 1961, World Meteorological Day has commemorated the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 36

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the essential contribution that National Meteorolog- ical and Hydrological Services make to the safety and well-being of society. Each year, the celebra- tions focus on a theme of topical interest. The theme for the 2015 World Meteorological Day “Climate knowledge for climate action,” provides an opportunity to take stock of the climate knowledge built during the last decades, as an essential base to support the path towards more ambitious action to address climate change and climate variability. The structure of the WMO which has headquarters in Geneva involves the Congress, the Executive Council, and eight Technical Commissions. The World Meteorological Congress, the supreme body of the Organization, assembles delegates of Members once every four years to determine general poli- cies for the fulilment of the purposes of the Organization; to consider membership of the Organiza- tion; to determine the general, technical, inancial and staff regulations; to establish and coordinate the activities of constituent bodies of the Organization; to approve long-term plans and budget for the following inancial period; to elect the President and Vice-Presidents of the Organization and members of the Executive Council; and to appoint the Secretary-General. The Executive Council is the executive body of the Organization, which meets annually, implements decisions of Congress, coordinates the programmes, examines the utilization of budgetary re- sources, considers and takes action on recommendations of regional associations and technical commissions and guides their work programme, provides technical information, counsel and assis- tance in the ields of activity of the Organization and studies and takes action on matters affecting international meteorology and related activities. The Council is composed of 37 directors of National Meteorological or Hydro-meteorological Ser- vices, serving in an individual capacity as representatives of the Organization and not as representatives of particular Members thereof. They include the President and three Vice-Presidents who are elected by Congress, and the presidents of the six regional associations. The remaining 27 members are elected by Congress. There are also eight Technical Commissions which are composed of experts designated by Members and are responsible for studying meteorological, climatological, and hydrological operational systems, applications and research. They establish methodology and procedures and make recommendations to the Executive Council and the Congress. The Technical Commissions usually meet once every four years, when they elect a President* and Vice-President. *From 1989 to 1996, I was President of one of Technical Commissions, namely the “Commission for Climatology”

Chance of El Nino weather doubles Tuesday Mar 31, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11426017

El Nino can result in greater rainfall in some areas, but also leads to drought in areas that are usually dry. File pho- to / Duncan Brown Conditions were ripe for development of the notorious El Nino, MetService said today. El Nino - usually translated from Spanish as "The Christ child" or "male child" - inluenced weather patterns worldwide. He's a small boy packing a big punch, and Kiwis have been warned to watch out for him this year.

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Previous incarnations caused a cocktail of bizarre or unseasonal conditions from droughts to loods in aflicted areas. It remained unclear how big El Nino's inluence would be this autumn, and Federated Farmers said it was wise to prepare for a possible El Nino, but not to panic. MetService meteorologist Georgina Grifiths said the chances of El Nino manifesting this year were twice as high as usual. Typically, El Nino brought more rain to western parts of New Zealand, and drier than usual conditions to the east. Ms Grifiths said today's announcement was meant as a "heads- up" for farmers, who could also expect a colder than usual spring if El Nino developed. Cyclone Pam, which earlier this month wreaked havoc in Melanesia and the North Island's east coast, had another nasty sting in its tail. "Cyclone Pam produced one of the strongest reversals of the tropical trade winds seen in recent years. Known as 'westerly wind bursts', these can kick-start El Nino, since they allow warmer waters to push towards South America," Ms Grifiths said. She said unusually powerful westerly winds would hit New Zealand's west coast if El Nino developed. (Abridged)

Gale force warning as rain lashes the Bay Monday Apr 13, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11431796 MetService snapshot of rain moving its way across the North Island as of 9.30am today. A gale warning has been issued for the Bay of Plenty marine area as cold, wet weather arrives. Rain has been forecast for the Tau- ranga area, with heavy falls expected about midday today. MetService meteorologist Richard Finnie said a front was moving across the North Island this morning, followed by a "cold showery southwest low". It had already spread across the South Island - bringing snow and icy temperatures. Most of the country could expect a couple of days of cold showery weather, especially in exposed places, Mr Finnie said.

Ranfurly conirmed as site of coldest ever recorded temperature in southwest Paciic April 14 2015 MICHAEL DALY Snowfall in Ranfurly in 2009. Following a massive snowstorm in July, 1903, the small Otago town's temperature dropped to -25.6 degrees Celsius.

A temperature of -25.6 degrees Celsius at Ranfurly, Cen- tral Otago on July 17, 1903 has

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 38 been conirmed as the coldest ever recorded in the Southwest Paciic region. http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/67751216/ranfurly-conirmed-as-site-of-coldest-ever-recorded-temperature-in-southwest-paciic The big freeze followed a massive snow storm on July 10 which was followed by a high pressure system that brought clear skies. A record of the coldest temperature only came to light in 2011 when Niwa was digitising historical daily records that were on paper and had not previously been put in its database. The case for conirming the record was helped by another discovery, that of an 1868 meteorological report discovered by Niwa climate scientist Gregor Macara. The report indicated weather instrument shelters for temperature measurements were used in this country as early as 1868. That validated the type of instrument shelter likely to have been used in the 1903 temperature observation, Niwa said. Such validation was important because the degree to which sensors were exposed could play a critical role in the correct measurement of temperature. Conirmation of the record low temperature came from a World Meteorological Organisation Com- mission for Climatology special international committee of experts, which carried out an in-depth investigation. The weather at the time of the record was so extreme that the Otago Daily Times reported a train from Dunedin to Ida Valley could not get beyond Middlemarch, where water needed for the engine had frozen. On July 21 it reported beef and mutton were frozen and could only be cut with a saw or chopper. Milk and ink at the post ofice were already frozen. On July 17 the New Zealand Herald reported a night train from Timaru to Fairlie became snow- bound and could not inish the trip. "The cold was very severe, and the train was delayed by the frozen snow, the rails being very slippery.

More than 80 lightning strikes hit North Island overnight Tuesday Apr 14, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11432433

More than 80 lightning strikes in two hours jolted people from their beds as a large thunderstorm passed over the northern North Island early this morning. Auckland experienced the worst of the storm, with most of the lightning striking over the City of Sails. The loudest thunder claps came about 3am when a lurry of lightning struck over central Auck- land. Between 2am and 4.15am, 85 lightning strikes were recorded across New Zealand, with most centred over Auckland, MetService data shows. The storm was "associated with an active trough line which moved north over the region", Met- Service meteorologist Georgina Grifiths said. (Abridged)

Wintry blast hits Christchurch with irst April snow since 1992 April 14 2015 NICOLE MATHEWSON, MYLES HUME AND RYAN THOMAS http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/67717208/wintry-blast-hits-south-island

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Frozen rain gauge frozen like 'an ice block' at Glimmerburn in Central Ota- go. Sleet, hail and snow lurries lashed Christchurch overnight and through the morning closing two roads and making driving conditions dificult. The city rose to a bone -chilling 4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, though it felt like -1C, the MetService said. Dyers Pass Rd from the Sign of the Takahe to Governors Bay Rd was closed until nearly 1pm. The Summit Rd from Gebbies Pass Road to Sign of the Kiwi reopened mid -afternoon. Christchurch weather expert Bob Crowder said the last time Canterbury had snow in April was in 1992. Crowder said the temperature on that April morning was a similar 2 degrees. And that chilly April went on to herald one of Canterbury's coldest winters marked by a massive snowfall in August which damaged buildings and killed more than one million stock. MetService duty forecaster Mariken van Laanen said snow also settled in Methven overnight, and other inland areas of Canterbury including Oxford, Darield, Shefield and Springield. The New Zealand Transport Agency has issued driving warnings for its southern highways, and closed State Highway 94, Te Anau To Milford Sound, due to snow.

Snow dusts houses in Arrowtown FIRST TASTE OF WINTER South Islanders experienced their irst touch of winter for 2015 on Monday when an early snowfall covered mountains and roads and sent temperatures plummeting. Dunedin reached a high of only 5C, while Christchurch managed 12C. Hail, thunder and lightning was recorded in the Canterbury foothills on Monday afternoon, with hail reaching Christchurch in the evening. The polar blast was welcomed by the country's skiields, with Canter- bury's Porters Ski Area receiving 10 centimetres of snow overnight Sun- day. Another 10cm was expected overnight Monday. (Abridged)

Severe weather warning for south Tuesday Apr 14, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11432209

Snow in Dunedin strands motorists. Amid a lurry of snow yesterday, unseasonably cold weather descended on much of the South, where it is expected to stay chilly for the rest of the week.

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MetService meteorologist Georgi- na Grifiths said this kind of weather was ''typically a late- April or May thing'' Meteorolo- gist Peter Little said rain was expected to disappear as the week went on but the cold weather would persist - a ''good recipe'' for frost. MetService reported inland Southland and southern Otago had received about 10cm-15cm of snow. Mr Little said 15cm of snow was reported at Jollies Pass, Northern Southland, and the Homer Tunnel, near Milford. Te Anau residents woke to about 10cm of snow yesterday, most of which had cleared by 4pm. Coronet Peak ski area had 15cm of snow yesterday, Treble Cone about 10cm and 50cm-70cm drifts were reported at Cardrona Alpine Ski Resort. Niwa climate scientist Gregor Macara said the last time there was signiicant early April snowfall at Coronet Peak was in 2009, when about 10cm fell. Queenstown International Airport was temporarily out of commission yesterday because of low visi- bility and snow on the runway, communications manager Jen Andrews said. ''One [light] was diverted to Dunedin, and a couple to Christchurch, and others were cancelled at their origin.'' At Dunedin International Airport, several lights were delayed last night and one JetStar light to Auckland was cancelled because of hail and sleet on the runway, an airport spokesman said. Federated Farmers Otago president Stephen Korteweg said he had not heard of Otago farmers having problems as a result of the sudden cold snap. ''We had plenty of warning,'' he said. The Queenstown and Dunedin maximum averages for April were 15.7degC and 15.4degC respective- ly, while yesterday's respective temperatures were 3degC and 7degC. Ms Grifiths said because of the ''unseasonably warm'' weather enjoyed by the South Island last week, yesterday's weather was ''quite a shock to the system''. (Abridged)

April chill - it's a record Wed, 15 Apr 2015 By John Lewis Otago Daily Times http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/339125/april-chill-its-record

A snow laden rose in Brockville Rd. Photo by ODT. If you're thinking it's colder than usual for this time of year, you're right. Monday afternoon's temperature at Dunedin International Airport was a record. The previous lowest April afternoon temperature was 7.5degC, recorded on April 30, 2012. However, the snowstorm that swept across Otago on Monday afternoon saw temperatures plummet at a time when they are usually at their highest for the day. The temperature recorded at 2.30pm on Monday at Dunedin Inter- national Airport was 2.4degC - the lowest afternoon temperature in April since records began in 1972.

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While snowfall is rare in Otago in April, MetService meteorologist Georgina Grifiths, of Auckland, said it was not unheard of. ''What makes this early and signiicant cold snap so unusual is the fact that temperatures had been so unusually warm only a few days beforehand. On Good Friday, temperatures were near-record for April in many locations.

The Land of the Long White Cloud parts the cloud Friday April 17, 2015 Source: ONE News http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/land-long-white-cloud-parts-6292231

Satellite image showing New Zealand surrounded by cloud but almost all the land area in clear view. - Source: MetService The Land of the Long White Cloud might have temporarily suspended it's handle, with a satellite image showing New Zealand surrounded by cloud but almost all the land area in clear view. "A classic looking southwesterly showing on the satellite im- ages today with the cloud part- ing around New Zealand leaving a sunny day for most of the country," MetService commented on its Facebook page, where it post- ed the image. "In these southwesterly lows New Zealand acts like a rock in a stream directing the wind and weather either side of country," MetService explained. This is often evident when we have a stream of showers running over Banks Peninsula but the weather in Christchurch is ine and sunny, MetService says.(Abridged)

Elderly man trapped by rising water as wild weather hits North Island April 18 2015 PHILLIPA YALDEN Waikato Times http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/67853064/heavy-rain-hammers-north-island

Mark Taylor Rain loods the road around Forman Rd, Hamilton. Emergency services are being kept busy with weather related calls in the Waikato and Auckland regions. Heavy rain and squally thunderstorms on Saturday were causing looding and power outages across the upper North Is- land. Wet weather was expected to give way to thunderstorms later in the day. An elderly man stuck in his vehicle due to rising lood waters on Ray Small Drive, Pahurehure, had to be rescued by ireighters, he said.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 42 Fireighters have also been called to downed trees across Papakura and to help with a property that had been "severely looded", he said. The MetService has a severe weather warning issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, West- ern Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. A complex trough moving across the central North Island was bringing rain to much of the North Is- land. The heaviest falls were in Waikato, where 76mm of rain fell between 5am and midday Saturday. "A further 20-30mm of rain is possible in Waikato on top of what has already fallen, while 50 -70mm is expected for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty," said the forecaster. Duty meterologist Hannah Moes said at its peak rate rain was falling at 17mm an hour, which was at 8am in Hamilton. There is a high risk of thunderstorms for the Coromandel Peninsula on Saturday morning through to evening, with heavy rain of 10 to 25mm per hour and 10 to 15mm diamater hail, according to Met- Service. (Abridged)

Passengers stuck on tarmac for 7 hours http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/271547/passengers -stuck-on-tarmac-for-7-hours 19 April 2015 Passengers on a Cathay Paciic light were forced to spend seven hours stuck in their aircraft on the tarmac at Ohakea Airbase near Palmerston North yesterday afternoon. The Airbus A340 with 266 passengers on board which had lown from Hong Kong was forced to di- vert due to a heavy burst of rain, low cloud and wind. A Cathay Paciic spokesperson, Pauline Ray said when the plane reached Ohakea, passengers had to stay on board. She said the crew also had to be replaced as they had reached their maximum allowed lying time. Ms Ray said a charter Air New Zealand plane was lown to the Base with new crew and the Cathay Paciic jet landed back in Auckland just after 7.30pm.

Waterspout touches down in harbour during Auckland storms April 20 2015 JESS MCALLEN http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/67902884/waterspout-touches-down-in-harbour-during-auckland-storms

A waterspout over Waiuku, in south Auckland, on Monday afternoon – The waterspout - es- sentially a weak tornado that stays over the water and does not touch land - formed above Manu- kau Harbour 2.30pm and 3pm on Monday. It was visible to many parts of south Auckland and prompted comment through social media and lasted up to 20 minutes said MetService. While many assumed it was a tornado, MetService said it never actually hit land. "It's a spiral of wind, not very strong and doesn't have much of an affect on the ground. It is much weaker than a tornado and doesn't pose a risk," said Hordur Thordarson, duty forecaster at Met-

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 43 Service. He said the spout was formed by easterly and westerly sea breezes coming together over Auckland. While it looks like this waterspout is on land, MetService said it was only over the water. Sea breezes are associated with day time heating, he says, so the spout formed as the breeze became weaker. (Abridged)

MetService monitoring volcanic ash Thursday, 23 April 2015 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1504/S00550/metservice-monitoring-volcanic-ash.htm This morning's eruption of Chile's Calbuco volcano is already being watched with interest by Met- Service, which operates the Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC). The Wellington VAAC is part of a group of nine such global centres, endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organisa- tion. In New Zealand, the Volcanic Ash Advisory process involves interaction between aircraft operators, Airways Corporation, the Civil Aviation Authority and MetService, with important volcanic information input from volcanologists. MetService's Wellington VAAC produces Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA) and Volcanic Ash Graphics (VAG) using ash trajectory models and other supporting information, including reports of observed ash. These forecasts of airborne ash are designed speciically for the aviation industry, to enable safe operation of all lights into and within New Zealand's air space; they are available at http:// vaac.metservice.com/ While it's too early in the life of this eruption for MetService to activate its monitoring process (which includes increasing the team of aviation forecasters on duty round the clock), meteorologists are in touch with colleagues at fellow Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres and closely following the eruption's progress. For more information about the work of the Wellington VAAC, including during the last Chilean volcanic eruption, visit MetService's blog Volcanic ash cloud in the New Zealand area. http:// blog.metservice.com/2011/06/3554/

Weather: Wild winds batter Auckland Monday Apr 27, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11438975 This boat did not survive the rough Auckland weather. Photo / Robbie Scarlett Gale-force north- easterly gusts of wind downed trees and signs, punched out ofice windows and tore vessels from their harbour moorings in Auckland today. "It was a solid wind and a solid rain," said Weath- er Watch head analyst Philip Duncan, who estimated some gusts hit the CBD buildings at up to 100 km/h. Fire Service Northern shift manager reported 46 storm-related call outs, mostly to do with damage caused by the wind to trees and windows. Rain and high winds were last night hampering efforts to clean up an oil spill in Tauranga Harbour. Three vessels were badly damaged, he said, while the others would be loated off beaches at high tide

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 44 and towed for boat yard repairs. Early this morning, four boats were blown off their moorings in Waitemata Harbour by the northerly gale and smashed on to the rocky seawall along Tamaki Drive. At Okahu Bay, two yachts and a classic launch were holed and sank, their contents left wedged in rocks as the tide retreated. (Abridged) Firemen sweeping up the mess at the Fiore on Auck- land's Hobson St after a glass pane on the veranda roof blew in and smashed on the pavement. Photo / Jason Oxenham Heavy rain and gales ease across country 27 April, 2015 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68066277/hundreds-without-power-as-he

Natasha King A boat has broken its mooring as strong winds buffet Paihia.. Much of the country has been battered by wild wind and rain. In Auckland a handful of vessels were torn from their moorings and smashed against rocks along Tamaki Drive early on Mon- day.

A MetService map with forecast winds and temperatures at 1500 metres noon Mon- day.

A Fire Service northern communications spokesman said there were 46 weather related call-outs during the day, however the situation had eased by Monday evening with just one downed tree in the eastern Bay of Plenty. "They were mainly reports of tree blown over. It was more wind than rain." MetService duty forecaster Nicole Rang- er said the rain was expected to ease overnight. (Abridged)

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Heavy rain causes looding in Wellington Tuesday Apr 28, 2015 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11439584 .

Aro Street looding The Fire Service has been called to 30 incidents of looding in the last two hours with most calls coming from central Wellington, a spokeswoman said. Heavy rain had caused the looding, which was causing problems on roads near the Basin Reserve. Police said oficers were at the scene of surface looding on Rox- burgh Street and Marjoribanks Street. Newstalk ZB reported one car had to be rescued near the Basin Reserve, and a truck got into trouble after driving into a manhole which had had its cover blown off. (Abridged)

No quick ix for Wellington's lood-prone spots April 28 2015 Tom Hunt http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/68081391/heavy-rain- loods-wellington-homes-businesses As Wellington clears up from heavy rain that soaked cars and homes, it appears there is no quick ix for lood- prone areas. Heavy, localised rain early on Tuesday caused homes in Newtown to lood, an underground car park to ill with water, and water to threaten homes in Kilbirnie Cres. Residents in the street were irate that Wellington City Council appeared to be powerless to deal with the problem, which had recurred multiple times. An underground car park in Alfred St, off Adelaide Rd near the Basin Reserve, looded for the second time since 2013, each time leaving cars inside at least waist-deep in water. Council spokesman Richard MacLean said Wellington's drainage system was constantly being upgraded, but there was a limit to what it could do without "breaking the bank". The Accident and Ur- gent Medical Centre on Adelaide Rd, Newtown, was forced to close until at least Wednesday because of looding in the car park beneath, and a power cut. Senior station oficer Andrew Walker said that, when ire crews arrived at the car park, cars were waist-deep in water. The tunnel beneath the south end of the Wellington Airport runway was closed for a while on Tuesday morning by looding that was "like driving through the sea", MacLean said.

Ross Giblin/Fairfax NZ : Mud covers parked cars at Wright St, Mt Cook. In the case of Kilbirnie Cres, it was already near sea level and increasing the size of the underground culvert would cost "tens of mil- lions of dollars". The intersection of Wright St and Papawai Tce in Mt Cook was un-

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 46 der a deep layer of silty mud. The central ire station at the bottom of Kent Tce in central Wellington had also been looded, a Fire Service spokesman said. Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino said a wet day on Monday in Wellington, when 20 -55mm of rain fell in 24 hours, had left the ground saturated. Then another downpour on Tuesday morning, of up to 24mm in two hours in Kelburn, meant the rain had nowhere to go, causing looding. The rain was caused by a northerly low from the tropics and sub -tropics meeting a a southerly storm, he said. Metservice forecaster Marika van Laanen said: "By Wellington standards it would feel torrential." BY THE NUMBERS 40 - 50mm of rain fell across many spots in Wellington over the 24 hours from Monday afternoon 45mm of rain fell in Newtown in the 24 hours from Monday afternoon, with 25mm of that falling between 4 and 5am 30mm of rain fell in Karori between 4 and 5am Tuesday Winds of up to 126kmh in exposed areas (Abridged)

NZ storm blamed for monster California waves Tue, 5 May 2015 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/341122/nz-storm-blamed-monster-california-waves A surfer falls off his board as he rides a wave amid large ocean swells in Cardiff, California. Photo by reuters. A New Zealand storm has been blamed for monster waves smashing California today. A high-surf warning was in place in California with more big waves expected to hit the state today. Individual waves could be more than twice the "signiicant wave height," the National Weather Service warned. A big storm near New Zealand late last week and early last weekend was to blame. "Once those waves are created, they keep travelling until they reach land," David Sweet, a weather service meteorologist told the Los Angeles Times. "So we can thank our friends Down Under."

Heavy rain, looding hits West Coast BRITTANY MANN AND NICOLE MATHEWSON http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/68306383/heavy-rain-looding-hits-west-coast 6 May 2015

Facebook : Rising water levels seen at the Waiho River. Heavy rain is pelting the West Coast, causing surface looding and slips. MetService meteorologist Peter Lit- tle said a weather station in the Westland Ranges had recorded more than 300mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. A number of other stations had recorded rainfall of more than 200mm, including Milford Sound airport, which had 44mm fall between 8am and 9am. "That's certainly torrential," he said. Heavy rain of more than 100mm was recorded at Mount Cook/Aoraki Village, and Arthur's Pass.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 47 Haast has had 75mm of rain in the past 24 hours, Hokitika has had 65mm, and Westport has had 55mm. (Abridged0

Heavy rain and gales moving across country 10 May 10 2015 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68420868/met-service-issues-severe-weather-warning

CALEB HARRIS/Fairfax NZ : Heavy rain is expected for many parts of the country. (Abridged)

More bad weather in store Tuesday 12 May 2015 By Emi- ly Cooper 3News http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/ metservice-more-bad-weather-in- store-2015051218#axzz3edeRNIZC

A small tornado that ripped through a north Taranaki town has wrecked its service station. It was an unwelcome early morning wake-up call for Ta- ranaki businesses. A tornado tore through the town of Urenui just before 1am, rip- ping off the roof of the town's service station and blowing over trees and fences. "Flattened the side of this gar- age here, part of mine and the petrol station," says business owner Colin McFarlane. "All the roof has gone." In the capital, torrential rain caused surface looding. The Wellington City Council had around 50 callouts for weather -related problems. MetService says more bad weather is on the way, but says Prince Harry should at least get a sunny day when he heads to Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North tomorrow.

Scientists debate El Nino likelihood 13 May 2015 Olivia Allison, Science and Environment Reporter http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/273540/scientists-debate-el-nino-likelihood Climate scientists are at odds over whether New Zealand will suffer an El Nino this year. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology yesterday announced a substantial El Nino event had begun. During an El Nino, the west coast is wet, the east coast is dry and it's cold everywhere. Those conditions make it ripe for drought. Victoria University climate scientist James Renwick said it would take about a month to see just how severe it would get. "Australia feels El Ninos possibly more strongly than just about any other country but New Zealand

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 48 certainly feels the effects as well. What normally happens for New Zealand is the kind of weather we've had this week with strong winds and storms and things." But scientists at government research agency NIWA aren't so sure. NIWA principal climate scientist Brett Mullan did not believe there was enough evidence to support Australia's claim."Our view is it's maybe a little bit premature to call it more than a weak event; it's certainly premature to call it a strong event at this stage."

A dry paddock on a farm in Wairarapa. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson But Dr Mullan said NIWA believed there was an 80 percent chance of an El Nino event developing. (Abridged)

Wellington regional climatology publication released 13 May 2015 https://www.niwa.co.nz/news/wellington -regional-climatology-publication-released NIWA's Climate Science Centre has released a Wellington regional climatology - "The Climate and Weather of Wellington". A regional climatology is a summary of the typical weather and climate of a region, based on historical data observations made at climate stations located within the region. The climate and weather of the Wellington region is characterised by strong variations in space and time, strongly inluenced by the presence of Cook Straight and the rugged local topography. In general, the climate of the region is a relection of the general disturbed westerly low with inter- spersed anticyclones, modiied in speciic places by the local topography. To the east of the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges, the Wairarapa area experiences more temperature and rainfall extremes than the western part of the region. Wind conditions are the strongest around the southwestern tip of the region. The region as a whole is generally sunny and windy compared with other parts of New Zealand. In the 1980s, the Meteorological Service produced a series of popular books that described and de- tailed the climates of each region throughout New Zealand. The books can still be found, well- thumbed, in libraries, ofices and council premises up and down the country. Dr Andrew Tait, Principal Scientist, Climate at NIWA, says that after 30 years, it was time to update the regional climatology books. "The books give a basic big picture of the typical climate of each region. They've had an exceptionally long shelf life, but it's now time to relect the latest data."

West Coast rain gauge can't deal with heavy rain 13 Wednesday May By Laura Mills of the Greymouth Star - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11448110 If the igures are to believed, Haast has recorded far less rain than Greymouth or Hokitika this year. Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge owner Gerry McSweeney said he had noticed a major anomaly in the igures for the past six months between the rainfall igures the Metservice provided for Haast and the data he collected at Lake Moeraki, 30km north. Lake Moeraki has been consistently recording 60 to 75 per cent more rain than Haast. Dr McSweeney has run a MetService weather station for 26 years and believed his current data was reliable. Historically, Lake Moeraki received about 10 per cent more rain than Haast. He also operated the fully automated rain gauge there for the National Institute of Water and Atmos-

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 49 pheric Research (Niwa).

MetService says it will have to change its rain gauge at Haast because it is "not responding well to periods of heavy rain".

He noted the MetService records published daily in the Greymouth Star were, for the irst time, showing Haast has been recording less rain than Hokitika and Greymouth. "I simply don't believe this," Dr McSweeney said. From April 24 to April 29, he recorded 265mm of rain at Lake Moeraki, whereas Haast had just 163.4mm. From May 6 to 10, Lake Moeraki recorded 202.5mm of rain, and Haast 114mm. Dr McSweeney contacted the MetService, which replied: "We are planning on changing the type of rain gauge used at Haast. The feeling is that the type currently used is not responding well to periods of heavy rain fall." MetService meteorologist John Law told the Greymouth Star today it looked as if the Haast rain gauge was under -reporting rainfall in the area. "This may be due to a fault with the instrument and the observation team are currently investigating the device and hope to have it operational again very soon. We are grateful to the observer at Lake Moeraki for sharing his observations."

More heavy rain for Wellington on Friday 14 May MICHAEL DALY http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion -post/news/68552264/more -heavy-rain-for-wellington-on-friday

View from Petone overbridge about 12.30 pm Downpours pummelled Wel- lington on Thursday and relief could be short-lived, with the risk of another burst of heavy rain in the area on Fri- day afternoon and evening. The region was hit by a deluge of rain overnight, causing slips and looding, with 117.4mm falling in Parapa- raumu and 96mm in Lower Hutt in the last 24 hours. One person was conirmed dead, 80 -year-old Dr Paul Hill of Karori, after his body was found submerged in loodwaters in Petone. To add to the misery, cold southerlies are expected to strengthen during Friday, with a maximum temperature in Wellington of 14 degrees Celsius at 10am, dropping to 11C by 4pm. A trough embedded in a strong moist northwest low that had moved slowly east over the North Is-

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 50 land during Thursday was expected to remain until Friday morning.

MetService's rain radar for 4pm Thursday shows more showers on the horizon.

"This trough is followed by colder southerlies, spreading over the South Is- land on Friday, then the North Island Friday and early Saturday," MetService said.

MATT DUNCAN/Dominion Post Residents of Tangare Dr, Elsdon, make their way house through lood waters. Trains in the Wellington region will be disrupted until Friday afternoon at the earliest,

Flooding in New Zealand capital halts trains, causes 1 death 14 May 14, 2015: Associated Press/ San Diego Tribune http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/may/14/1-dead-hundreds-disrupted-in-new-zealand-looding/

Students Connor Williams, left, and Cooper Wattam use a kayak to cross a looded paddock in Paraparaumu, — Heavy rain caused looding in New Zealand's capital Thursday that left one man dead, halted train service and blocked highways during the evening commute. Police said they found the body of an 80 -year-old man in Petone near Wellington in loodwater near his aban- doned car. They said the car was partially submerged with the keys in the ignition. Crews struggled to clear highways, and the shutdown of Wellington's train services delayed travel for many. Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown urged people to ind alternative accommodation in the city for the night rather than trying to make it home and even opened the downtown library for those who wanted to stay. (Abridged0

Tornado rips through Mt Maunganui 15 May 2015 PHILLIPA YALDEN, PAUL EASTON, SHANE COWLISHAW TONY WALL/stuff.co.nz http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68568100/tornado-strikes-mt-maunganui-powerlines-down A tornado has ripped through Mount Maunganui without warning, seriously damaging houses and leaving debris strewn across roads. Stunned residents gathered on the paths of what is typically a quiet cul de sac in Mount Maunganui on Friday to survey the damage of a tornado that ripped through it. The tornado hit just before

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 51 8.30pm on Thursday, damaging homes and buildings, causing havoc with power lines, pulling down fences and scattering debris across roads. Lodge Ave was one of the worst hit areas with winds tearing roofs from houses, downing trees and blowing insulation through the streets. The most heartbreaking destruction was the damage to the school's new turf, worth $120,000. "We had just had it upgraded through community grants, the fences are buckled, hockey goals have been lifted about 20 or 30 metres, you can just see the path of the tornado." Winds on the school's weather station, which remained intact, meas- ured 175kmh. They were strong enough to bend 10cm steel shade sail poles, rip the sails off and tear down fencing.

CAMERON AVERY/: The tornado tore through ASB Bay Park stadium. The tornado moved through Waitui Gr, Golf Rd, Lodge Ave, Ascot, Epsom, and Owens Pl through to Bay Park. There were reports of over 20 houses with roofs lifted off, and 11 with signiicant damage, as well as damage to ive commercial properties, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said. Damage forced at least eight families to leave their homes on Thursday night, Bay of Plenty ire chief Murray Binning told Radio New Zealand. Along with damage to homes, the twister had hit commercial properties, including Bay Park Stadium. The storm had ripped the rooing off about three of the stadium's bays, linging it across the ield and out into the street. (Abridged)

Budget cash will allow MetService to set up shop outside Wellington 21May 2015 MICHAEL FORBES http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/budget-2015/68754264/budget-cash-will-allow-metservice-to-set-up-shop-outside-wellington

Rob Kitchin: MetService headquarters in the Wellington suburb of Kelburn. A cash injection from the Budget will allow MetService to set up shop outside Welling- ton and escape the threat of a major earthquake. The service has received an extra $16 million over the next four years to replace its meteorological forecasting system and establish a new disaster recovery backup facility. National Weather Services

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 52 general manager Norm Henry said the bulk of that money would be spent on backing up its IT systems and establishing a second weather centre outside the capital. "Ever since the Canterbury earthquakes, we've been thinking about the vulnerability that a natural disaster would present." No decision had been made on where the second facility would be set up, although Auckland was being seriously considered, Henry said. The additional funding would also be used to build a new weather radar in Central Otago and "plug the gap" that exists in MetService's coverage there, allowing it to better predict severe storms and snow. A free-of-charge weather forecasting service will also be set up for recreational pilots, who currently have to pay for that information. (Abridged)

Retirement on horizon for Feilding weather man Alan Mason 21May 21 2015 CAROLINE BROWN http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/68758908/retirement -on-horizon-for-feilding- weather-man-alan-mason

Warwick Smith/Fairfax NZ Feilding weatherman Alan Mason checks his rain gauge, a daily rutu- al. Change is in the air after nearly a century of weather watching for a Feilding family. Alan Mason's family have been recording the weather in Feilding for 98 years. But at 94 Mason is starting to think about passing on the thermometer. Mason said he would love to keep on going for another two years to make it a century, but at 94 it was becoming a challenge. Mason's father started recording the weather data in July 1917. It began as a hobby but he ended up reporting each day to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Mason said. When his father died Mason's older brother took over. But he liked to spend time at the beach so it often fell to him, Mason said. He has now been checking his weather gadgets every morning since the 1970s. Although, he has got a friend to ill in when he goes on holiday. Mason said in the time he had been recording the weather the technology had remained the same. Every morning he checks his rain gauge, measures various temperatures and examines the sky for cloud and wind detail. The only thing that had changed was sending in the results by email, he said. Mason is one of a network of about 400 volunteers around New Zealand who measure weather data daily. Mason said it was such a valuable job capturing the weather in each different part of the country every day. NIWA’s principal climate technician Andrew Harper said the volunteers provided an invaluable service and their efforts were deeply appreciated by scientists. “It is a big commitment and a great network. What they do is fantastic and we treat it like gold.” New Zealand’s climate network dates back to 1841 but records were sporadic until the 1860s. The earlier rainfall observations in the database were made by the Royal Engineers at the Albert Park

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 53 Barracks, Auckland, in 1853. The database is used extensively by scientists, students, engineers, planners and others and Mr Har- per says the volunteers make a signiicant contribution to further New Zealand’s climate knowledge. The observers come from all walks of life and it was not unusual for different generations of the same family to continue the practice. “Over the years we have known of several volunteers older than Mr Mason, one of whom retired at 102.” The Niwa network of weather volunteers used to number about 1500 but a combination of people moving and an increasing number of automated stations has seen the network drop. The volunteers all use standard instrumentation and methods recommended by the World Meteorological Organisa- tion, to ensure the data can be compared. And in all his years of weather measurements, there’s one thing that puzzles Mr Mason. “I’ve tried to analyse the igures, but I can’t see any pattern at all.”

Storm causes power outages in Auckland 24 May 2015 By Cherie Howie m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11453767

Drivers avoid a blocked drain in Tamaki Drive yesterday. Photo / Chris Loufte Power was lost to almost 3,000 homes after a deluge of rain in the Auckland region last night. The worst-hit area was West Auckland when 1,406 homes in New Lynn, Avondale, Glen Eden, Blockhouse Bay and Henderson lost power. A further 111 homes were without power in Muriwai. Northwest of Auckland, 1,199 homes in Kaukapakapa and the Kaipara Coast were without power. And in Takapuna a further 200 homes lost power. Auckland rain gauges had readings of 8mm an hour when the worst of the wet weather passed through yesterday afternoon. Hunua, in southeast Auckland, logged 16.5mm in an hour and 42mm between midnight and 4pm. Most city gauges had totals in the 20-28mm range. Some areas in North- land received rainfall topping 50mm between midnight and 4pm. (Abridged)

NZ hit by biggest storm on Earth 25th May New Zealand Herald http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/nz-hit-biggest-storm-earth/2649640/ A STORM blasting Antarctic weather over New Zealand is currently the biggest storm on earth according to WeatherWatch.

The low stretches from just south of Fiji to Antarctica's ice shelf, but only 20 per cent of the storm is affecting New Zealand. WeatherWatch.co.nz said the forecast air pressure at its centre over the next 24 hours would be greater than that of Hurricane Katrina when it made landfall in 2005. Weather expert Philip Duncan said, "It's fairly normal to get a cold snap in late May. We're less than a week away from winter, it's not surprising to get a blast like this." But he said the low's strength was surprising.

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 54 "The depth of this storm south of New Zealand is up there with some of the biggest hurricanes we've seen. It's a really big storm." Overnight, areas of Central Otago and Southland saw up to 30 cm of snow, according to MetService. The North Island didn't escape the cold weather with light snow falls reported in Napier and heavier falls on the Napier- Taupo Rd. Queenstown Airport was temporarily closed, with heavy snow right down to the township, and snow lurries blanketed Invercargill. Dunedin was battered by an onslaught of nasty weather, said MetService, hit by snow, showers and offshore thunderstorms. 15 cm of snow was reported just above the city, while its hill suburbs saw around 10 cm. Light snow falls were reported in the Napier suburbs of Taradale and Maraenui, and motorists experienced sleet on the way to work between Hastings and Napier. "I've lived in Napier all my 64 years and I can't recall ever having seen snow in Napier and it was snowing in my yard this morning," Mayor Bill Dalton said.

Brenda Reay Snow in Puketapu, Hawke's Bay. Heavier falls were experienced inland, on the Napier-Taupo Rd and further north at Waikoau and Putere. (Abridged)

More chilly nights ahead after snow dump: MetService 25 May TOM HUNT, MICHAEL DALY AND HAMISH MCNEILLY http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68812214/ more-chilly-nights-ahead-after-snow-dump- metservice More bitterly cold nights are on the way, as the storm that brought snow as far as Napier is replaced by calmer weather.

SIR MICHAEL HILL/SUPPLIED: Snow at The Hills Golf Club in Arrowtown. An area of high pressure should build over the country during the next few days, as strong showery southwesterlies gradually eased, MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said. "Clear skies at night do mean that cold temperatures will continue, with several places forecast to fall below freezing over the next few nights."

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 55 Wendy: Snow in Wanaka

EXPLOSION AS LIGHTNING STRIKES A "massive boom" shook a Dunedin's family's home, when lightning struck a transformer metres from their property. "We heard the thunder, saw some sparks and then this massive boom," Debbie Whittaker said. That explosion caused power to be cut to dozens of properties in the suburb of Musselburgh, as temperatures plummeted due to overnight snow. MetService conirmed 13 lightning strikes, mainly on the Otago Peninsula, struck the city. (Abridged)

Bill Lees Snow at the Wrights Hill lookout, Ka- rori, Wellington.

Antarctic snow and ice storm blankets parts of New Zealand 25 Monday May Source: ONE News http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/happened-antarctic- snow-and-ice-storm-blankets-parts-new-zealand- 6319642 The country experienced a wintry blast today with snow and ice blanketing parts of New Zealand and causing widespread disruption. The Antarctic reached as far North as Hawke's Bay, with a rare snowfall recorded in Napier.

Hawke's Bay local Sarah Mason at Crown- thorpe, just outside Hastings.

The latest southerly storm has given Queenstown’s Coronet Peak and The Re- markables the best possible start to winter with up to half a metre of snow blanketing both ski ields. Staff at Coronet Peak and The Remarka- bles found themselves knee-deep in fresh powder this morning. Arrowtown, in Central Otago, also experienced its heaviest snowfall in 30 years, while Dun- edin was covered in a white blanket.

Mount Aspiring College Students enjoy the day off from school in the snow. (Abridged).

Meteorological Society of New Zealand Newsletter #141 Jun 2015- Page 56 Bitter cold creeps through New Zealand 26 May MICHAEL DALY http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68848812/cold-night-for-many

JOHN BISSET/FAIRFAX NZ: The southerly blast left snow on the Hunter Hills in South Canterbury.

Around 6am on Tuesday the temperature in Pa- hiatua was down to -6 degrees Celsius, about the coldest temperature recorded overnight. It was - 3.2C in Masterton, -5.1C in Blenheim, -3C in the Wellington suburb of Wainuiomata, -2.5C in Hastings, and -1C in Palmerston North. Further south it was -3C at Manapouri and at Lake Tekapo. MetService meteorologist Nick Zachar said the cold air was being caused by a massive storm that had its low centre more than 1900km east of Southland, and was sucking air off Antarctica onto this country. (Abridged).

South Islanders warned El Nino to bring more snow this winter May 26, 2015 Regan Schoultz http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11454716

Dunedin hydrologist Dave Stewart said while the city's snow was ''seasonally normal'', he warned this winter's expected El Nino weather pattern could lead to a far higher incidence of snow days than what Dunedin had experienced in recent years. An El Nino weather pattern tended to bring increased southwesterlies from the polarregions, which were likely to lead to the increased snowfall across the city, he said. MetService meteorologist Georgina Grifiths said predicting snow days was dificult. A combination of moisture, cold temperatures and uplift was needed, and could not be predicted ac- curately. But she too said the South was likely to experience colder-than-normal weather during the coming winter months. El Nino's main impact was expected in spring, with signiicantly colder temperatures in the South than those experienced over the past few years, she said. (Abridged)