Autumn got off to such a good start that many in the southern regions may have confused it with the long-awaited arrival of summer.
Earth Sciences New Zealand meteorologist Chester Lampkin said March was a mild and mostly settled month for New Zealand.
Certainly, in Otago and Southland, there were alternating periods of warm and cool weather — the warmest of which occurred in the final seven days of the month as warm tropical air flowed over the country.
March temperatures in Dunedin and Southland were warmer than average, and well above average for Central Otago.
He said Dunedin (Musselburgh) recorded its second-highest March temperature on March 6, when the mercury hit 30.4°C.
And on the same day, Nugget Point also had its highest March temperature when it reached 28.3°C.
"The highest temperature of March was 30.9°C, observed at Alexandra, on March 7."
Mr Lampkin said it was also drier than usual, particularly in Central Otago, where Clyde and Cromwell recorded their fourth-lowest March rainfall totals, with just 10mm and 7mm, respectively.
Rainfall in Dunedin was near normal, and of the six main centres in New Zealand, Dunedin was the driest with just 45mm, he said.
However, heavy rain and strong winds swept across North Otago on March 25-26, and an orange warning for heavy rain was issued.
Mr Lampkin said March’s weather was created by higher-than-average air pressure over the South Island.
"El Nino Southern Oscillation-neutral conditions continued through the month, though La Nina-like weather patterns persisted, despite the demise of the recent La Nina event.
"Sea Surface Temperatures [SSTs] were also generally warmer than average around the South Island."
The nationwide average temperature for the month was 15.8°C, he said.
March highlights
Highest temperature: 30.9°C, Alexandra, March 7.
Lowest temperature: -2.6°C, Pukaki Airport, March 3.
Highest one-day rainfall: 214mm, Cathedral Cove, March 26.
Highest wind gust: 163kmh, South West Cape, March 6.
Of the six main centres, Tauranga and Auckland were the warmest, Auckland was the sunniest, Tauranga was the wettest, Dunedin was the driest, Christchurch was the coolest and Wellington was the least sunny.
