Since the record began 112 years ago, the warmest month of June has been measured in New Zealand, where it is now winter.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said Monday that the average temperature of 10.6 degrees Celsius in June was two degrees higher than the average of the past 30 years and 0.3 degrees higher than the previous record — measured in 2003 and 2014. New Zealand, the systematic collection of meteorological data began in 1909.
In New Zealand, average temperatures have risen by about 1°C over the past 100 years, If this trend continues, winters are expected to be shorter and milder in the Pacific island nation, said Gregor Macara, a climate scientist with the institute.
Makara said this year’s June temperature record was caused by, among other things, unusually high ocean temperatures and the fact that winds were blowing from the northern landscape, which is warmer than the cold Antarctic.
According to the researcher, the weather can change strongly from month to month, but the deep trend is warming, which is a general rise in temperatures.
An unusually mild June winter is a problem for New Zealand’s ski resorts, but it prefers farmers. Coupled with higher temperatures, more rain, talented sheep and cattle breeders, and somewhat richer pastures after two years of drought. However, water reserves remain at a low point and farmers fear that a warmer climate will lead to more drought in the long run.