Month hot and dry

November 2019 was hot and dry! Maximum daytime temperatures averaged 22.1 degrees, being as much as 4.3 degrees above the monthly average and an absolute maximum of 32.1 degrees recorded on Saturday, November 23 was a new record. Minimum night time temperatures for the month overall were 8.9 degrees, 1.3 degrees above the monthly average with the lowest of 3.5 degrees recorded on Saturday, November 2. The daily average temperature for November was 15.5 degrees, 2.8 degrees hotter than expected. No frosts were recorded during November, an unusual feature in itself. November was dry, but not abnormally so as November is often the driest month of the year. Only 47.5mm of rain was recorded on nine wet days. In 2005 the total fall was 25mm on seven, 2007 produced 27.5mm on eight and 2009 had 28.5mm on five while 2010 recorded 23.5mm, also on five wet days. Overall spring this year was warm, dry and windy, although there was less wind over the last part of November.

There were 27 days during spring this year when the maximum wind gust at the Taupo Airport exceeded 50km/h, the windiest day being September 25 when the peak wind gust reached 81km/h. The summer ahead shows every sign of being warmer than usual, although this current week should be unsettled, mild and showery with the possibility of more widespread rain at the weekend. December is the second wettest month of the year in Taupo¯ , behind June.