We’ll be springing in the rain if weather forecast is right
Warmer weather is coming but storms, bringing spells of heavy rain, are also likely to continue into spring.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) seasonal climate outlook for August to October said there was a 60 per chance temperatures would be above average.
This was a trend expected right across the country and would coincide with warmer coastal water temperatures, Niwa said.
However, Niwa said frosts and cold snaps would still occur through into early spring and intermittent low pressure systems would bring intense rainfall at times.
The climate outlook said the region’s rainfall had a 40 per cent chance of being near normal and a 35 per cent chance of being above average, while soil moisture levels and river flows have a 45 per cent chance of being in the near normal range, NIWA said.
A wet spring, if it arrives, would follow the muddy heels of a winter where rainfall figures have been well up on normal.
In July, rainfall sites in the region recorded up to double the normal monthly rainfall figures for the month, according to Taranaki Regional Council analysis.
Nearly all sites recorded between 108 per cent and 214 per cent of rainfall, with the monthly average 157 per cent.
Two sites Mangaehu/Huinga (298.5mm) and Brooklands Zoo (292.5mm) recorded more than double the normal July rainfall.
MetService data for the past month showed there had only been nine days without any showers and only three days so far in August.
Showers are expected to turn into rain today and showers are also expected on Sunday.
Photos: Pacey Murray, 16, is a Year 12 FDMC student working at the Taranaki Daily News as part of the Gateway Programme.