NOTES ON THE WEATHER DURING 1872. 
January.—The drought in all the eastern parts of the colony, which com- 
menced in the North in November, and in other parts in December, continued 
throughout this month, accompanied by very still weather, and atmospheric 
pressure above the average. The heat has been very seriously felt, the tem- 
perature registered both in the shade and sun being greatly in excess of any 
previous records. 
February.—Rainfall and temperature in excess ; winds generally moderate, 
but a strong S.E. to N.E. gale was felt at all stations from Nelson northward. 
Destructive floods at Greymouth on 8th. 
March—Weather on the whole remarkably fine throughout the Colony. 
Rainfall considerably below the average, and no storms of any note. Very 
high barometer readings were recorded at nearly all the stations on 21st and 
22nd. Auroras in extreme south on 2nd. 
April. —This month was remarkable for the unusual amount of rain that 
_ fell throughout the colony. There were no very severe gales except at 
Wellington, where on the 18th and 19th a heavy S.W. storm with excessive 
rainfall occurred, doing much damage. The atmospheric pressure was low 
throughout, and temperature higher than usual. 
May.—Wet and stormy generally during this month, with prevailing 
westerly winds. Severe thunder-storm on Ist in North with rain ; thunder 
also in the South towards end of month ; the temperature higher than usual ; 
snow and hail in South. At times weather pleasant. * 
June.—Very cold, severe weather throughout, with much snow, hail, and 
rain; unusually severe frosts and snow-storms in the South. In Southland 
snow continued from 10th for five days, fifteen inches deep, wind W., and low 
barometer. 
July.—Stormy, wet, and severe weather generally throughout, with 
frequent thunder, hail, and snow, and heavy falls of rain. At Nelson and 
Hokitika, rain considerably above the average. 
August.—Temperature below the average throughout, generally fine in 
North, and rain moderate ; in the South very severe cold weather, especially 
in early part of month, when a heavy snow-storm occurred, also heavy rain 
and frequent thunder-storms. Aurora observed in North on 9th. 
September. —Very fine weather throughout for time of year; no severe 
storms recorded, and unusually small rainfall ; very high atmospheric pressure 
