May 2007 Warmest May Ever Recorded In New Zealand

[hatrack]

If you thought last month was the mildest May you can remember, you'd be right. Weather statistics just released by NIWA show it was Northland's - and New Zealand's - warmest May in more than 140 years of records.

New Zealand's highest temperature - 24.8degC - was recorded at Whangarei Airport on May 1.

Dargaville clocked up its highest average May temperature and lowest rainfall since records began. Across Northland, rainfall was just a quarter or less of the usual amount.

It is a mixed blessing for agriculture and horticulture. Growers and Turners Whangarei manager Marcus Damerell said more fruit and vegetables were available than usual, but the growth of avocados and stone fruit could be slowed if the warm spell persisted.

EDIT

http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3737149&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=