Winter weather continued last month with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research recording below average temperatures for July.
NIWA says alpine areas bore the brunt of the chill: North Otago, Canterbury and Waiouru recorded average temperatures that were up to two degrees colder than normal.
However, many regions recorded longer than normal sunshine hours. Nelson, Marlborough and Manukau received 25% more sun.
In contrast: Wellington, the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa were gloomier than normal, receiving less than 75% of their average July sun.
However, this did not translate into rain: Taranaki, the Kapiti Coast and Wellington received less than half their average rainfall for July.
