Record Spring Temperatures for New Zealand

Spring temperatures across New Zealand this year were higher than usual, according to analysis conducted by NIWA.

The agency unveiled its spring climate summary covering the period from September to November earlier today.

Among the six main centres, Auckland experienced the warmest temperatures, while Dunedin was the coolest and equally dry. Christchurch emerged as the sunniest and equally dry, Tauranga witnessed the highest rainfall, and Wellington had the least sunshine, as reported by NIWA.

Around two-thirds of monitoring stations reported temperatures above the average, with 19 locations noting record or near-record highs during the spring season.

While the overall rainfall during spring was near normal for most monitoring stations nationwide, certain areas experienced exceptionally wet conditions. Gisborne, for instance, saw rainfall levels more than 140% above normal. Northern Hawke’s Bay and central Northland also received above-average rainfall.

In contrast, Upper Hutt, Martinborough, and Paraparaumu received less than half of their typical spring rainfall, according to a spokesperson from NIWA.

NIWA also shared its monthly summary for November, noting that it was generally dry and mild across most regions, except for Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, which experienced wetter conditions.

Wairoa, in particular, recorded 302mm of rainfall in November, representing 375% of its normal precipitation and marking the wettest November since records began in 1964. On the other hand, Mt Ruapehu at The Chateau received only 27% of its typical November rainfall.

November 21st saw record-breaking temperatures in Whangaparāoa and Waikeria, with 26.4 degrees and 29.7 degrees, respectively. These temperatures were the highest ever recorded for November in Whangaparāoa since 1982 and Waikeria since 1957.