By Julie Ash
October 2, 2002
Source: www.nzherald.co.nz/sports/sportsstorydisplay.cfm?

October 1 - The (Auckland) forecast predicts cool, unstable southwesterly winds ranging from 15 to 20 knots and occasional showers - a pattern which is expected to continue throughout October and November. The rules of the challenger series state that no race will be started in less than seven knots or more than 19, and that racing will not continue if it is consistently blowing more than 23 knots. To cater for the changeable Auckland weather, reserve days have been slotted in throughout the regatta and will be used if racing cannot go ahead on a particular day.

Oracle BMW Racing's meteorologist, Bob Rice, says the only thing it is safe to assume is that "there will be the usual mix of Auckland weather and race days will be lost through too much wind." He said that as we get into summer there should be lighter-air days. "But I don't think it will stray too much from the normal."

OneWorld meteorologist Ken Campbell says all indications point towards an El Nino weather pattern. El Nino is a natural feature of the global climate system. Elements of an El Nino weather pattern include high-frequency south-west winds and small seas. He predicts that October will continue to be showery, with frequent cold fronts and strong winds. Then he hopes that a warmer summer will follow.

Rice says forecasters have a rough idea about what is coming two to three days ahead, but anything more means they are guessing. "Long-range forecasts don't work. -Julie Ash, NZ Herald, full story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sports/sportsstorydisplay.cfm?