New Zealand winters are a month shorter than they were 80 years ago, research conducted by NIWA scientists shows.
Winter is usually regarded as running from the beginning of June to the end of August but when defined by temperature its length varies.
NIWA scientists have now looked at the last 30 years of data.
Between 1987 and 2016 New Zealand had only 70 days of below 9C temperatures.
Between 1909 and 1938 the average was 100 days of below 9C temperatures each year.
Brett Mullan, principal climate scientist, said the statistics mirrored worldwide trends, with the US also reporting a shortening of winter .
“This is a consequence of rising temperatures around the globe, and such trends in colder temperatures and frosts will influence the life cycle of plants and animals,” he said.
An unseasonably warm June meant that in 2016 winter was restricted to July and August whereas this year August was the unusually warm month.
15 Responses
What
WOW that is a big surprise.I am happy though, less winter more summer =)
wow i never knew that but i don’t really care
Yay that means we have more time in the warmer seasons to play
i think that this is cool but isnt winter the time that it takes up not the tempurater but hey its cool though
tbh i don’t like summer, autum’s perfect
that is amazing
awe i like winter
NOOO less winter
This is really good and out of it news I am just 12 years old and I did not no this information
i like winter to 🙁
yes more summer
this is really cool
wow I did not know that! but more summer for me ( yay )
I hate winter