新西兰英语 790 May weather

 　　New Zealand is a long country, ranging from 37 degrees latitude¹ in the far north to 47 degrees latitude in the far south. It is not surprising that we have very different weather in different parts of the country.

　　More North Westerly winds affected² the North Island bring warmer temperatures but more South Easterly winds affected the South Island, bringing cold temperatures.

　　Auckland was the warmest main city with an average temperature of 13.3 degrees Celsius³ whereas Christchurch was the coldest main city with an average temperature of 9.3 degrees. Auckland had 261 mm of rain which is 3 times the normal rainfall. It was also a record for May. On the other hand, Christchurch was the driest main city with 70mm of rain in the month.

　　In contrast, both islands felt the cold southerly blast from Antarctica on May 27th, bringing snow to main roads near the central mountains in the North Island and to mountain passes in the South Island.

　　Note: The mean (average) temperature for one day is calculated by adding the lowest and highest daily temperatures and dividing by 2. Add all these for the month and divide by 31 for the mean temperature for the month.

　　Pronunciation

　　Note south (rhymes with mouth) but southerly (rhymes with motherly)

　　Comparing

　　Note spelling: wet, wettest; dry, driest

　　Note this phrase: 3 times the normal rainfall

　　Words and phrases for comparing: but, whereas, on the other hand, in contrast

1 latitude   

n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区

参考例句：

• The latitude of the island is 20 degrees south.该岛的纬度是南纬20度。
• The two cities are at approximately the same latitude.这两个城市差不多位于同一纬度上。

2 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

3 Celsius   

adj.摄氏温度计的，摄氏的

参考例句：

• The temperature tonight will fall to seven degrees Celsius.今晚气温将下降到七摄氏度。
• The maximum temperature in July may be 36 degrees Celsius.七月份最高温度可能达到36摄氏度。