‘Long, hot summer’ causes concerns

Once upon a time there was a sign up on a central Wellington building, part of a beer brand’s series now firmly enshrined in Kiwi folklore.

Those driving in from the north would be confronted by it as they turned off the state highway.

‘‘It’s going to be a long, hot summer,’’ a message on the lefthand side of it told motorists. ‘‘Yeah right,’’ declared a response on the right. It was a sign that launched a thousand eye-rolls.

It wouldn’t this year, though. Not in Wellington, and not in most other places around the country. Because it seems we really are in for a long, hot summer.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research’s seasonal forecast, released last week, said the entire country could expect warmer than average temperatures.

This might, under normal circumstances, get most Kiwis fizzing about the months ahead, if we weren’t feeling so darned uncomfortable, a few days into a sustained period of hot, dry weather, set to continue for at least another few days.

On the internet, there’s been a run of pictures of cats draped with damp cloths – not the sort of practice most moggies would ordinarily have the patience for, which is in itself a measure of the conditions – and news of public pools being so full they’ve had to turn would-be patrons away. If you think it’s been unusual, you’re not alone, and you’re right.

According to Metservice meteorologist Tom Adams, the past month has been ‘‘pretty exceptional’’ and the conditions that led to the current run of hot, still days have been in place since about November 9, when a persistent ridge of high pressure took up station over the country.

‘‘This many still days under a ridge is unusual. The fact that is started in November is unusual as well,’’ he said.

Adams explained that whereas this time of year was often characterised by high pressure systems over the north of the country, and westerly winds in the south, this year the high pressures had spread further south, meaning those winds had shifted further south too.

As a result places like Westport – with 24 consecutive dry days as of Monday, its longest run on record since 1944 – and Hokitika – a record-equalling 19 at time of writing – have experienced exceptional conditions, a situation replicated on our east coast, where Christchurch, Timaru and other centres are also in the grip of a sustained dry spell.

It’s a situation naturally concerning to farmers, with Niwa warning of depleted soil moisture levels over parts of the country. For beachgoers, vigilance takes on extra importance, with burn times lower than normal.

A front due on Sunday is due to drop temperatures in the South Island, but Adams says it looks like things will again be back to hot and dry after its passage.

Let’s hope relief isn’t too far away.