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| Climate |
Because much of the
Marlborough region is sheltered by high country to the west, south and in some areas to
the east, it is New Zealand's sunniest region.
Warm, dry and settled weather predominates during summer. Winter days
often start with a frost, but are usually mild overall. Typical summer daytime maximum air
temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C, but occasionally rise above 30°C. Late winter and
early spring is normally the most unsettled time of the year. Typical winter daytime
maximum air temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. Annual hours of sunshine average at
least 2,400 hours. High temperatures are frequent in Blenheim and may be accompanied by
föhn winds from the northwest, characterised by the distinctive "wave" cloud
formations.
Temparature |
Mean daily maximum in summer (January): |
23.8°C |
Mean daily minimum in summer: |
12.5°C |
Mean daily maximum in winter (July): |
12.8°C |
Mean daily minimum in winter: |
2.1°C |
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Sunshine Hours |
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More than 2,400 hours per year. |
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Rainfall |
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Mean annual rainfall: |
1,249mm |
Wet days (more than 1mm): |
76 |
Statistics from National Institute of
Water and Atmospheric Research |
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Because of its frequent floods and nearby swamps, Blenheim was once known as Beavertown. In February 1868, three days of heavy rain at Blenheim and in the surrounding hills caused major flooding. The rainfall for the three days at Blenheim was 104.5mm, causing the Wairau, Taylor and the Omaka rivers to become swollen. A Presbyterian church still being built floated downstream to lodge against the Omaka bridge.
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