Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand
July 2026 – Issued: 4 August 2026
July 2026 summary
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) or well above average (>1.20°C above average) for most of the South Island. Temperatures were near average (±0.50°C of average) for much of the North Island, with below average temperatures (0.51-1.20°C below average) in localised parts of Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. |
| Rainfall | Rainfall was above normal (120-149% of normal) or well above normal (>149% of normal) for most of Southland, Otago, southern, inland and northern parts of Canterbury, the West Coast, Marlborough, and Nelson. Rainfall was below normal (50-79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) for most of the North Island. |
| Soil Moisture | At the end of July, soil moisture levels were higher than normal for northeastern parts of Otago. Soil moisture was lower than normal for eastern parts of Canterbury about Christchurch. Near normal soil moisture levels were typical for the remainder of the country. |
July 2026 began on a settled note, with high pressure resulting in widespread clear weather and frosty conditions, particularly for southern and central parts of the South Island. A brief warm northerly airflow delivered record and near-record high daily maximum and minimum temperatures for southern and inland parts of the South Island. From 5-9 July, a broad area of low pressure prevailed over and east of Aotearoa New Zealand, delivering consecutive days of considerable rainfall to eastern parts of the country. Significant impacts resulted from the rain including damaging flooding, with a local State of Emergency declared in Waitaki, Kaikōura, and Wairoa, respectively (see Highlights and extreme events for further details). The middle and latter portion of July was often settled across the country, with a cool southerly airflow prevailing over the final week of the month. El Niño conditions were present in the tropical Pacific atmosphere and ocean, and by all measures the event strengthened during the month – including the strongest atmospheric measurements on record for July. By the end of July, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) around New
Zealand were mostly near or above average, particularly around much of the South Island and Tasman Sea with Marine Heatwave (MHW) conditions1 experienced in these areas. The nationwide average temperature in July 2026 was 8.9°C. This was 0.8°C above the 1991-2020 July average, making it New Zealand’s 12th-warmest July since Earth Sciences New Zealand’s seven station temperature series began in 1909. Temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) or well above average (>1.20°C above average) for most of the South Island. It was especially warm for Fiordland, Arthur’s Pass, and Greymouth where mean temperatures were at least 2°C above the July average, respectively. Temperatures were near average (±0.50°C of average) for much of the North Island, although there were below average temperatures (0.51- 1.20°C below average) in localised inland parts of Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. It was a particularly cool month in Taupō where the mean temperature was 1.1°C below average. Rainfall was above normal (120-149% of normal) or well above normal (>149% of normal) for most of Southland, Otago, southern, inland and northern parts of Canterbury, the West Coast, Marlborough, and Nelson. Several areas observed more than double their normal July rainfall including eastern Otago, and eastern parts of southern and northern Canterbury. Rainfall was below normal (50-79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) most of the North Island. Further Highlights:
- The highest temperature was 20.4°C, observed at Wairoa on 15 July.
- The lowest temperature was -13.5°C, observed at Lake Tekapo on 12 July.
- The highest 1-day rainfall was 133 mm, recorded at Hanmer Forest on 6 July.
- The highest wind gust was 141 km/h, observed at Puysegur Point on 14 July, and Cape Turnagain on 18 July.
- Of the six main centres in July 2026, Auckland was the warmest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Wellington was the wettest, and Dunedin was the least sunny.
- The sunniest four locations in 2026 so far are Nelson (1608 hours), Whakatāne (1587 hours), New Plymouth (1578 hours) and Richmond (1520 hours).
Temperature: A warm month for the South Island
Five locations along the western South Island observed their warmest July on record, including Greymouth and Milford Sound, where records date back to 1947 and 1934, respectively. New Zealand’s warmest location relative to normal was Arapito, where the mean temperature of 10.6°C was 2.4°C above its July normal. No locations observed record or near-record low mean temperatures for the month. Relatively calm and clear conditions prevailed over the North Island 1 Defined as five or more consecutive days with SSTs above the 90th percentile for the time of year.
for much of July. This resulted in many cool and frosty nights, especially for inland locations. Five North Island locations observed record or near-record low mean minimum temperatures during the month. Record2 or near-record mean air temperatures for July were recorded at:
Record or near-record mean air temperatures for July
| Location | Mean air temperature (°C) | Departure from normal (°C) | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arapito | 10.6 | 2.4 | 1978 | Highest |
| Reefton | 7.5 | 2.1 | 1960 | Highest |
| Greymouth | 10.0 | 2.0 | 1947 | Highest |
| Haast | 9.5 | 1.7 | 1949 | Highest |
| Milford Sound | 7.6 | 2.2 | 1934 | Highest |
| Westport | 10.3 | 1.4 | 1937 | 2nd-highest |
| Hokitika | 9.2 | 1.7 | 1866 | 2nd-highest |
| Ōkārito | 9.0 | 1.4 | 1982 | 2nd-highest |
| Le Bons Bay | 9.0 | 1.4 | 1984 | 2nd-highest |
| Tiwai Point | 8.0 | 1.6 | 1970 | 2nd-highest |
| Tautuku | 8.0 | 1.6 | 1976 | 2nd-highest |
| Campbell Island | 6.8 | 1.7 | 1991 | 2nd-highest |
| Secretary Island | 10.4 | 1.3 | 1985 | 3rd-highest |
| Puysegur Point | 9.7 | 1.3 | 1978 | 3rd-highest |
| Medbury | 6.7 | 0.9 | 1927 | 3rd-highest |
| Akaroa | 9.7 | 1.4 | 1978 | 3rd-highest |
| Tapanui | 6.3 | 1.4 | 1900 | 3rd-highest |
| Invercargill | 7.1 | 1.7 | 1905 | 3rd-highest |
| South West Cape | 9.2 | 1.5 | 1991 | 3rd-highest |
| Waipara West | 8.8 | 1.5 | 1973 | 4th-highest |
| Diamond Harbour | 9.1 | 1.7 | 2004 | 4th-highest |
| Manapouri (West Arm Jetty) | 5.4 | 2.0 | 1971 | 4th-highest |
| Manapouri | 5.3 | 1.3 | 1991 | 4th-highest |
| Waipounamu | 5.0 | 1.1 | 1980 | 4th-highest |
| Oban (Stewart Island) | 8.1 | 1.6 | 1975 | 4th-highest |
| Nugget Point | 7.6 | 1.3 | 1970 | 4th-highest |
| Low records or near-records | ||||
| None observed | ||||
² The rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd etc.) in all tables in this summary are relative to climate data from a group of nearby stations, some of which may no longer be operating. The current climate value is compared against all values from any member of the group, without any regard for homogeneity between one station’s record, and another. This approach is used due to the practical limitations of performing homogeneity checks in real-time.
Record or near-record mean maximum air temperatures for July were recorded at:
Record or near-record mean maximum air temperatures for July
| Location | Mean maximum air temperature (°C) | Departure from normal (°C) | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tākaka | 15.7 | 2.3 | 1978 | Highest |
| Arapito | 15.5 | 2.6 | 1978 | Highest |
| Milford Sound | 11.4 | 2.2 | 1934 | Highest |
| Waipounamu | 10.7 | 2.1 | 1980 | Highest |
| Invercargill | 11.7 | 1.8 | 1905 | Highest |
| Westport | 14.1 | 1.2 | 1937 | 2nd-highest |
| Blenheim | 14.8 | 1.5 | 1932 | 2nd-highest |
| Dunedin (Musselburgh) | 12.2 | 1.8 | 1947 | 2nd-highest |
| South West Cape | 11.2 | 1.6 | 1991 | 2nd-highest |
| Campbell Island | 8.6 | 1.6 | 1991 | 2nd-highest |
| Secretary Island | 13.2 | 1.4 | 1985 | 3rd-highest |
| Puysegur Point | 11.9 | 1.2 | 1978 | 3rd-highest |
| Diamond Harbour | 12.8 | 2.2 | 2004 | 3rd-highest |
| Le Bons Bay | 11.5 | 1.5 | 1984 | 3rd-highest |
| Orari | 13.2 | 2.2 | 1972 | 3rd-highest |
| Middlemarch | 11.4 | 1.9 | 2000 | 3rd-highest |
| Manapouri | 10.0 | 1.7 | 1991 | 3rd-highest |
| Gore | 11.1 | 2.5 | 1907 | 3rd-highest |
| Oban (Stewart Island) | 11.4 | 1.3 | 1975 | 3rd-highest |
| Tautuku | 11.8 | 1.6 | 1976 | 3rd-highest |
| Chatham Island | 12.4 | 1.1 | 1878 | 3rd-highest |
| Matamata | 15.0 | 1.4 | 1999 | 4th-highest |
| Rotorua | 13.3 | 1.3 | 1964 | 4th-highest |
| Pukekohe | 16.0 | 1.7 | 1969 | 4th-highest |
| Tūrangi | 12.7 | 1.1 | 1968 | 4th-highest |
| Reefton | 11.8 | 1.6 | 1960 | 4th-highest |
| Medbury | 13.0 | 1.6 | 1927 | 4th-highest |
| Cheviot | 13.7 | 1.5 | 1982 | 4th-highest |
| Christchurch | 13.2 | 1.8 | 1863 | 4th-highest |
| Oamaru | 12.2 | 1.2 | 1967 | 4th-highest |
| Tiwai Point | 11.3 | 1.4 | 1970 | 4th-highest |
| Low records or near-records | ||||
| None observed | ||||
Record or near-record mean minimum air temperatures for July
| Location | Mean minimum air temperature (°C) | Departure from normal (°C) | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hokitika | 5.4 | 2.3 | 1866 | Highest |
| Greymouth | 6.7 | 2.4 | 1947 | Highest |
| Haast | 6.3 | 2.3 | 1949 | Highest |
| Tiwai Point | 4.8 | 1.9 | 1970 | Highest |
| Ōkārito | 5.1 | 2.3 | 1982 | 2nd-highest |
| Milford Sound | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1934 | 2nd-highest |
| Mt Cook (Village) | 0.1 | 2.3 | 1929 | 2nd-highest |
| Campbell Island | 4.9 | 1.7 | 1991 | 2nd-highest |
| Arapito | 5.7 | 2.3 | 1978 | 3rd-highest |
| Reefton | 3.1 | 2.4 | 1960 | 3rd-highest |
| Le Bons Bay | 6.5 | 1.4 | 1984 | 3rd-highest |
| Manapouri (West Arm Jetty) | 3.2 | 2.5 | 1971 | 3rd-highest |
| Puysegur Point | 7.5 | 1.4 | 1978 | 4th-highest |
| Cromwell | 0.1 | 1.4 | 1949 | 4th-highest |
| Oban (Stewart Island) | 4.8 | 2.0 | 1975 | 4th-highest |
| South West Cape | 7.2 | 1.4 | 1991 | 4th-highest |
| Low records or near-records | ||||
| Taumarunui | 0.0 | -1.9 | 1947 | Lowest |
| Warkworth | 4.7 | -1.6 | 1966 | 2nd-lowest |
| Mt Ruapehu Chateau | -1.6 | -1.0 | 2000 | 3rd-lowest |
| Whakatu | 1.5 | -1.5 | 1982 | 3rd-lowest |
| Takapau Plains | 1.5 | -1.5 | 1962 | 4th-lowest |
Rainfall: Wet for much of South Island, dry for the North Island
About 33% of New Zealand’s regularly reporting climate stations observed above normal (120- 149% of normal) or well above normal (>149% of normal) July rainfall. Notably, these stations were all located in the South Island. New Zealand’s wettest location relative to normal was Dunedin Airport, where 445% of normal July rainfall was recorded. This made it the location’s wettest July since records began in 1962. Rainfall was also exceptionally high in Oamaru, with the town receiving 400% of its normal July rainfall. In contrast, about 44% of New Zealand’s regularly reporting climate stations observed below normal (50-79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) July rainfall. All but one of these stations were in the North Island. It was a particularly dry month for Tūrangi, where just 55 mm of rain (36% of its July normal) was recorded. This resulted in the town’s third-driest July since records began in 1968. Record or near-record July rainfall totals were recorded at:
Record or near-record July rainfall totals
| Location | Rainfall total (mm) | Percentage of normal | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunedin (Airport) | 176 | 445 | 1962 | Highest |
| Waiau | 149 | 199 | 1974 | 2nd-highest |
| South West Cape | 174 | 162 | 1991 | 2nd-highest |
| Oamaru | 191 | 323 | 1941 | 3rd-highest |
| Middlemarch | 84 | 157 | 1896 | 4th-highest |
| Low records or near-records | ||||
| Tūrangi | 55 | 36 | 1968 | 3rd-lowest |
| Mokohinau Island | 69 | 56 | 1994 | 4th-lowest |
| Auckland (Western Springs) | 70 | 46 | 1948 | 4th-lowest |
July climate in the six main centres
Temperatures were well above average in Dunedin, with above average temperatures in Wellington. In contrast, it was a relatively cool month for Hamilton and Auckland, where temperatures were 0.6°C and 0.5°C below average, respectively. It was a very wet July for Dunedin where rainfall was 231% of normal. The three northernmost main centres experienced a relatively dry July, with rainfall totals approximately half of normal for the time of year. Of the six main centres in July 2026, Auckland was the warmest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Wellington was the wettest, and Dunedin was the least sunny. July 2026 main centre climate statistics:
July 2026 main centre climate statistics – Temperature
| Location | Mean temperature (°C) | Departure from normal (°C) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland¹ | 10.6 | -0.5 | Near average |
| Tauranga² | 10.5 | 0.0 | Near average |
| Hamilton³ | 8.3 | -0.6 | Below average |
| Wellington⁴ | 9.8 | +0.6 | Above average |
| Christchurch⁵ | 6.5 | +0.5 | Near average |
| Dunedin⁶ | 8.2 | +1.5 | Well above average |
July 2026 main centre climate statistics – Rainfall
| Location | Rainfall (mm) | % of normal | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland¹ | 74 | 53 | Below normal |
| Tauranga² | 58 | 44 | Well below normal |
| Hamilton³ | 65 | 47 | Well below normal |
| Wellington⁴ | 144 | 98 | Near normal |
| Christchurch⁵ | 51 | 79 | Below normal |
| Dunedin⁶ | 119 | 231 | Well above normal |
July 2026 main centre climate statistics – Sunshine
| Location | Sunshine (hours) |
|---|---|
| Auckland¹ | 194 |
| Tauranga² | 210 |
| Hamilton⁷ | 165 |
| Wellington⁴ | 128 |
| Christchurch⁵ | 159 |
| Dunedin⁶ | 96 |
¹ Māngere; ² Tauranga Airport; ³ Hamilton Airport; ⁴ Kelburn; ⁵ Christchurch Airport; ⁶ Musselburgh; ⁷ Ruakura. Hamilton rainfall is missing five days of data.
Highlights and extreme events
Temperatures
The highest temperature was 20.4°C, observed at Wairoa on 15 July. The lowest temperature was -13.5°C, observed at Lake Tekapo on 12 July. Record or near-record daily maximum air temperatures for July were recorded at:
Record or near-record daily maximum air temperatures for July
| Location | Extreme maximum (°C) | Date of extreme temperature | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High records or near-records | ||||
| Westport | 18.5 | 7th | 1937 | Highest |
| Secretary Island | 18.0 | 7th | 1985 | Highest |
| Middlemarch | 19.6 | 3rd | 2000 | Highest |
| Manapouri | 17.8 | 3rd | 1991 | Highest |
| Purerua | 19.0 | 16th | 1983 | 2nd-highest |
| Stratford | 17.5 | 15th | 1960 | 2nd-highest |
| Tākaka | 19.8 | 15th | 1978 | 2nd-highest |
| Puysegur Point | 17.3 | 3rd | 1978 | 2nd-highest |
| Brothers Island | 17.6 | 16th | 1997 | 2nd-highest |
| Lumsden | 17.3 | 3rd | 1982 | 2nd-highest |
| South West Cape | 16.3 | 3rd | 1991 | Equal 2nd-highest |
| Tara Hills | 16.1 | 17th | 1949 | 3rd-highest |
| Chatham Island | 16.3 | 15th | 1878 | 3rd-highest |
| Campbell Island | 11.7 | 3rd | 1991 | Equal 3rd-highest |
| Arapito | 18.8 | 6th | 1978 | 4th-highest |
| Mt Cook (Airport) | 17.6 | 17th | 1929 | 4th-highest |
| Tautuku | 17.4 | 30th | 1976 | 4th-highest |
| Kerikeri | 20.1 | 14th | 1945 | Equal 4th-highest |
| Whakatāne | 19.0 | 16th | 1975 | Equal 4th-highest |
| Lake Tekapo | 16.0 | 3rd | 1925 | Equal 4th-highest |
| Oban (Stewart Island) | 15.6 | 3rd | 1975 | Equal 4th-highest |
| Low records or near-records | ||||
| Pukaki Aerodrome | -2.3 | 12th | 1972 | 4th-lowest |
Record or near-record daily minimum air temperatures for July
| Location | Extreme minimum (°C) | Date of extreme temperature | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low records or near-records | ||||
| Mt Ruapehu Chateau | -7.6 | 3rd | 2000 | Equal lowest |
| Diamond Harbour | -0.3 | 26th | 2004 | Equal lowest |
| High records or near-records | ||||
| Martinborough | 13.9 | 16th | 1986 | Highest |
| Wellington (Airport) | 14.0 | 16th | 1972 | Highest |
| Milford Sound | 11.7 | 4th | 1935 | Highest |
| Puysegur Point | 13.7 | 3rd | 1978 | Highest |
| Manapouri (West Arm Jetty) | 8.6 | 4th | 1972 | Highest |
| Manapouri | 9.9 | 4th | 1991 | Highest |
| Cromwell | 10.6 | 4th | 1949 | Highest |
| Roxburgh | 10.8 | 4th | 1950 | Highest |
| Tiwai Point | 10.1 | 18th | 1972 | Highest |
| Campbell Island | 10.0 | 3rd | 1991 | Highest |
| Wellington (Kelburn) | 12.7 | 15th | 1931 | Equal highest |
| Upper Hutt (Trentham) | 13.8 | 16th | 1972 | Equal highest |
| Paraparaumu | 13.6 | 16th | 1972 | 2nd-highest |
| Kaikōura | 11.9 | 15th | 1972 | 2nd-highest |
| Wānaka | 10.0 | 4th | 1972 | 2nd-highest |
| Pahīatua | 11.8 | 16th | 1946 | 3rd-highest |
| Mt Cook (Village) | 9.1 | 18th | 1929 | 3rd-highest |
| South West Cape | 11.5 | 3rd | 1991 | 3rd-highest |
| Oban (Stewart Island) | 10.3 | 4th | 1975 | Equal 4th-highest |
Rain, flooding, and slips
The highest 1-day rainfall was 133 mm, recorded at Hanmer Forest on 6 July. From 5-9 July, a broad area of low pressure was present over and near New Zealand, delivering consecutive days of rainfall impacts to eastern parts of the country. The primary impacts are listed in chronological order below:
- From 5-6 July, persistent heavy rain caused surface flooding for eastern parts of Otago including Dunedin, Mosgiel, and Oamaru. Waitaki District Council declared a State of Emergency, with flooding affecting homes and businesses along Thames Street in central Oamaru. At least 20 people self-evacuated their homes in Oamaru, with reports of emergency crews responding to people trapped in cars and homes by floodwaters. The Taieri Bowling Club in Mosgiel was opened as an evacuation centre and several families had self-evacuated there. Flooding caused the closure of SH88 from Sawyers Bay to Port Chalmers, SH87 from Factory Road to Cargill Street in Mosgiel, several local roads in the Clutha District, SH1 between Oamaru and Glenavy, and SH83 between Seven Mile Road and SH1.
- From 6-8 July, heavy rainfall impacted eastern parts of Canterbury, and Marlborough. A State of Emergency was declared in Kaikōura as the Kowhai River burst its banks, with an evacuation centre set up for approximately 80 people who were displaced by flooding. SH1 was closed between Ward and Waipara due to flooding, with considerable sections of the highway eroded away by the Conway River between Parnassus and Hundalee. A section of the Cribb Creek Bridge on the Inland Kaikōura Road was washed away, and two vehicles were accidentally driven off the bridge and into the river below. A person was rescued from their car after spending several hours trapped in a vehicle surrounded by floodwaters near Mt Lyford. Part of Hanmer Springs was cut off after flooding damage caused the closure of Woodbank Road bridge. Flooding of the Ōpaoa River in Blenheim led to evacuation of people staying in caravans at the Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park. In Wairarapa, three bridges (Waihenga, Lower Valley and Huangarua) were closed due to heavy rain from 7-8 July, isolating some communities in the region’s south.
- On 8 July, another burst of heavy rain hit eastern parts of Otago, and SH1 was again closed between Oamaru and Glenavy due to flooding. Surface flooding was also reported
on SH83 from Pukeuri to Kurow, and SH82 from Kurow to Waimate. At least eight homes were evacuated in Dunedin due to possible landslips, while three homes were evacuated in Oamaru due to a landslip. Farther north, the Inland Route 70 was closed between Kaikōura and Rotheram (SH7) due to flooding and washouts.
- On 9 July, areas of Hawke’s Bay received heavy rainfall as the area of low pressure moved east of New Zealand, continuing to drive a moist southeasterly airflow over eastern parts of the country. A local State of Emergency was declared in Wairoa following considerable flooding across the district. The Wairoa River flooded, prompting the evacuation of residents from low-lying areas in Wairoa. Roads were closed due to surface flooding and debris including SH38 from Frasertown to Tuai and SH2 at Turiroa Cutting, while 15 streets were closed in the Wairoa township.
On 24 July, SH7 was closed from Greymouth to Stillwater due to surface flooding. On 25 July, a heavy downpour of rain caused surface flooding in parts of Wellington. In Kelburn, 36 mm of rain was recorded in one hour between 9-10 a.m. Preliminary analyses indicate this is the fifth-wettest hour on record at Kelburn. Record or near-record July extreme 1-day rainfall totals were recorded at:
Record or near-record July extreme 1-day rainfall totals
| Location | Extreme 1-day rainfall (mm) | Date of extreme rainfall | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiau | 62 | 6th | 1974 | Highest |
| Dunedin (Airport) | 116 | 5th | 1962 | Highest |
| Campbell Island | 59 | 30th | 1991 | Highest |
| Hanmer Forest | 133 | 6th | 1905 | 2nd-highest |
| Ashburton | 103 | 6th | 1927 | 2nd-highest |
| Oamaru | 110 | 5th | 1950 | 2nd-highest |
| Awakino | 61 | 24th | 2005 | 3rd-highest |
| Winchmore | 70 | 6th | 1947 | 3rd-highest |
| Middlemarch | 56 | 5th | 1896 | 3rd-highest |
| Tautuku | 39 | 4th | 1976 | 3rd-highest |
| Port Taharoa | 42 | 24th | 1973 | 4th-highest |
| Windsor | 44 | 5th | 2000 | 4th-highest |
| Dunedin (Musselburgh) | 63 | 5th | 1918 | 4th-highest |
| South West Cape | 35 | 18th | 1991 | 4th-highest |
Wind
The highest wind gust was 141 km/h, observed at Puysegur Point on 14 July, and Cape Turnagain on 18 July. From 6-7 July, strong southeasterly winds occurred for northern and western parts of the South Island. Concrete power poles near Harihari snapped due to the strength of the wind, while downed power lines caused power outages in several areas of the South Island. Specifically, around 260 homes were without power between Lake Ianthe to Lake Parinha, and some in the Haupiri area. Nearly 400 homes were also without power in Kaikōura. Twenty homes in the outer Marlborough Sounds were without power near Clova and Beatrix Bay. Several roads were closed due to strong winds and fallen trees including SH6 from Whataroa to Harihari, SH6 from Haast to
Fox Glacier, and SH63 from Kawatiri to Howard (Tasman District). Farther north, power outages also occurred in parts of Wellington. Record or near-record July extreme wind gusts were recorded at:
Record or near-record July extreme wind gusts
| Location | Extreme wind gust (km/h) | Date of extreme gust | Year records began | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tūrangi | 134 | 20th | 1973 | Highest |
| Middlemarch | 117 | 4th | 2000 | Highest |
| Oamaru | 93 | 5th | 1984 | Highest |
| Upper Hutt (Trentham) | 91 | 8th | 1999 | 3rd-highest |
| Nelson | 102 | 6th | 1972 | 3rd-highest |
| Secretary Island | 130 | 13th | 1994 | 4th-highest |
Snow and ice
On 1 July, widespread frost and icy conditions caused issues across many South Island roads. Dunedin’s Southern Motorway (SH1) was temporarily closed to southbound traffic from the Riselaw Rd overbridge due to an accident. Other accidents were reported on roads about Roxburgh, Cromwell, and Lumsden. SH8 was closed between Lake Tekapo and Omarama due to black ice. On 2 July, black ice was reported across Dunedin, with Dunedin City Council urging residents to take care on roads and footpaths. Dunedin’s Southern Motorway (SH1) was again closed to southbound traffic near the Riselaw Rd overbridge due to an accident. NZTA warned motorists to take extra care due to ice on SH1 between Dunedin and Palmerston, SH85 between Palmerston and Kyeburn, SH87 between Kyeburn and Mosgiel, SH8 between Milton and Raes Junction, and SH8 from Lake Tekapo to Twizel. From 5-6 July, there was widespread snowfall above approximately 500 m elevation across inland parts of the South Island. Heaviest snowfalls occurred about eastern and northern parts of Central Otago including the Maniototo and about the Lindis Pass, Mt Cook Village, and Lake Tekapo. ESNZ’s monitoring station measured a peak snow depth of 25 cm at Mt Cook village, with similar snow depths reported at Lake Tekapo, Oturehua, St Bathans, and Naseby. Snow damage to powerlines left about 300 customers without power in Clarks Junction, Hindon, Redbank, Ranfurly, Waipiata-Kyeburn and Middlemarch-Bald Hill. Snow caused the closure of numerous roads in the South Island including SH87 from Outram to Kyeburn, SH85 from Alexandra to Palmerston, the Ranfurly-Naseby Road, St Bathans Loop Road, Ida Valley-Omakau Road, Danseys Pass Road from Naseby, SH8 from Tarras to Omarama (the Lindis Pass), and SH8 from Lake Pukaki to Fairlie. On 8 July, snow fell to approximately 300 m above sea level in eastern parts of Central Otago, with heavy snowfall about the eastern ranges and inland areas of Canterbury. Snow and ice caused the closure of SH85 from Kyeburn and Morrisons, SH87 from Kyeburn and Middlemarch, and SH8 from Fairlie to Twizel. Extreme caution was advised to motorists travelling on SH85 from Kyeburn and Springvale, and SH8 from Tarras to Omarama (the Lindis Pass), due to snow and ice. On 25 July, snow was reported in several Canterbury towns including Darfield, Methven, and Glentunnel. Chains were required for vehicles travelling on SH73 between Springfield and Castle
Hill (Porters Pass) due to snow. Farther south, several centimetres of snow reportedly settled in Naseby and Oturehua, with approximately 1 cm of snow reported in Winton. On 31 July, snow caused the closure of SH85 from Palmerston to Kyeburn, and SH87 between Kyeburn and Outram. Snow also impacted highways farther north in the South Island. SH7 was closed from Reefton to Springs Junction turnoff (Rahu Saddle) and from Springs Junction to Hanmer Springs turnoff (Lewis Pass). Chains were required on vehicles travelling from Arthur’s Pass Village to Otira.
Lightning, hail, and tornadoes
On 6 July, a home in Whangamatā suffered considerable damage after being struck by lightning.
Cloud and fog
On 15 July, 17 flights were delayed or cancelled at Auckland airport due to fog. On 20 July, fog at Auckland airport caused the cancellation of 21 domestic flights, with a further 13 domestic flights delayed. On 23 July, flights at Auckland and Hamilton airports were cancelled or delayed due to fog.
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All rights reserved. Information presented in this summary is based on data available at the time of publication, which is subject to ongoing quality assurance procedures.