Figure 3.4: Percentage change in average annual rainfall for 1978 to 1998 compared to the previous 21 years
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Note: In 1978-98 the IPO was in its positive phase, compared to preceding 21 years, when the IPO was negative. Any local rainfall response due to global warming would also be contained within this pattern of trend, which applies to about 40 years at the end of the 20th century.
Text description of figure
The percentage change in average annual rainfall for 1978 to 1998 compared to the period from 1957 to 1977. The south and west of the South Island was more than eight percent wetter, the north of the South Island was up to eight percent wetter, the north and east of the North Island was up to eight percent drier, and the remaining areas of New Zealand the differences were close to zero. Note: In 1978-98 the IPO was in its positive phase, compared to preceding 21 years, when the IPO was negative. Any local rainfall response due to global warming would also be contained within this pattern of trend, which applies to about 40 years at the end of the 20th century.
