Aotearoa has entered 2019 with a week of stereotypical kiwi weather.

“To borrow an overused but dependable saying, we’ve had a week that’s generally been wet in the west, dry in the east,” says MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes.Windy conditions have persisted for lower parts of the country. “There is a ridge of high pressure sitting over the North Island,” explains McInnes, “which is helping to squeeze the air around any terrain, exacerbating gusty conditions.”

This weekend has also brought some heavier rain to eastern parts, with a heavy rain warning in place for Dunedin and Northern Otago. Heavy rain has also affected the Westland and Fiordland.

Don’t worry, says MetService. High pressure builds over the South Island once again, paving the way for a more settled start to the week. There are a few hot spots around with a number of centres expected to reach the high twenties and even the low thirties today and tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the prognosis is for another front to move in as the week progresses. “Expect some cloudier and windier periods as well as some wetter weather for those in southern and western areas,” McInnes cautions, but adds “if you’re in the upper half of the North Island, the outlook for the week is looking mighty fine!”

Warnings are about taking action:
• When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
• Issued only when required
• Recommendation: ACT
Watches are about being alert:
• When severe weather is possible but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a Warning to be issued
• Issued only when required
• Recommendation: BE READY
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
• To provide advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
• Issued routinely once or twice a day
• Recommendation: PLAN

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