July's Weather: Semi-Drought Ends
July in Kāpiti was a little cooler and cloudier than average, and the prolonged dry spell of the last six months continued right up to the end of the month when we had around 40mm of rain. The first signs of spring were evident in many gardens, as is usual by the end of July.
Our daily average maximum temperature was 13.6C, compared with the longtime average of 13.8 and last July’s 14.1. The overall mean temperature was 10.2C (10.3C last year). Kāpiti’s coldest day of the year to date, with a maximum of only 11.1C, occurred on the last day of the month, but the several light frosts were all recorded early in the month.
The equivalent of 13.5 sunny days was two fewer than average. For most of July it seemed we would again experience below average rainfall, but steady rain on Tuesday 30 delivered around 40mm, the heaviest episode of the year, pushing the total for the month to around 90mm, slightly above the longtime average.
August should see a slight rise in both temperatures and sunshine, with spring’s presence becoming even more evident in our gardens and countryside.
Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?
First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.8% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.8% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below