Sun shines on Nelson in race for the crown

MARTIN DE RUYTER

SUNSHINE CITY: Finella Dawson, left, Rebecca Dawson, Rachael Prior and Tim Prior enjoy the sun and warm temperatures at Tahunanui Beach.

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Marlborough's sunshine crown looks likely to be Nelson's by the end of this year.

Marlborough-based Plant and Food Research scientist Rob Agnew said Nelson recorded 225.6 hours in October, 12.4 hours more than Blenheim.

"It is now almost certain that Nelson will regain the sunshine title in 2009, as at the end of October Nelson is 71 hours ahead of Blenheim," Mr Agnew said.

It was a wetter October than normal in both Blenheim and Nelson, with rainfall in Nelson 37 per cent above average.

Figures provided by Nelson weather forecaster John Mathieson show 127 millimetres of rain fell during October, up from the month's 93mm average, and it was wet on 16 days.

Sunshine was just above average, with 225.6 hours during the month. The average is 216.9 hours.

The mean air temperature was slightly below average at 11.1 degrees Celsius, continuing a recent trend of cooler temperatures than normal.

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