Settled weather expected for Cyclone Gita clean up

Settled and dry conditions return to New Zealand, as a ridge of high pressure moves over the country for the remainder of this week and into the weekend. This will give some relief to regions in clean-up mode from the severe weather caused by Cyclone Gita.

Additionally, those who have struggled with the warmth and humidity of late will breathe a sigh of relief, with conditions across New Zealand returning to normal for this time of year.

MetService meteorologist Hannah Moes commented "This time last week, the relative humidities in Auckland and Christchurch reached 99%, with temperatures sitting on 28C and 30C, respectively. Wellington was close behind on 24C and 87% humidity. In contrast, humidity levels for the main centres today are expected to be around 60-75%." She continued, "Combined with the return to normal temperatures, this will feel a lot more comfortable for New Zealanders who usually need to travel to the tropics to experience the muggy warmth that has blanketed the country over the last few weeks."

The next significant weather feature on the horizon is a front moving onto the lower South Island on Sunday, bringing rain to southern and western areas and strong northwesterlies across central and southern New Zealand, bumping temperatures back up in eastern areas.

Today's satellite image, showing clearing skies for many, and the remains of cyclone gita well to the southeast of the country.

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