December 29, 2011

Weather forecaster Ken Ring is picking a wet January, which will not be good news for farmers at harvest time. Farmers say while the warm, wet spring has generated good crop growth, hot and dry weather is now needed.
The forecaster looks at trends and cycles of moon orbits to predict weather and says January will be wetter than average across the South Island, with dry periods of 4-5 days.
“In the third week, there is a chance of flooding in Canterbury, and from the West Coast to Otago.” Alpine rivers could also flood, trapping tourists.
Mr King said February would be drier, with only a few days of rain, though Ashburton could expect heavy rain around February 20 bringing relief to hardened ground. Temperatures may reach 30°C earlier in the month.
He predicted a flip-flop of wet and dry periods, and from May onwards an alternation of warmer and cooler months.
“The lack of precipitation has the effect of keeping temperature averages intact. Overall the South Island can expect average temperatures for 2012, and overall for the year. Ashburton can expect average rain, average temperatures and average sunshine hours.”