Spring Westerlies Return

Spring Westerlies Return

After an absence of several weeks, the westerlies are back according to MetService. "Through to about Thursday of the first week of the school holidays the westerlies should be pretty steady in direction," said Peter Kreft, MetService Chief Forecaster.

Showers, some heavy at times, should continue on and off in western parts from Northland through to about the Kapiti Coast, from Buller to Fiordland, and in Southland. For other places, this week should be dry and sunny much of the time. "However, a showery southerly change is likely through Canterbury and the Kaikoura Coast later today or overnight, reaching Wellington and Wairarapa early Tuesday," added Kreft.

"The effect of the westerlies is not just on the weather," Kreft went on to say. "The winds over the country this week are expected to generate reasonably large seas on western coasts. At beaches with strong onshore winds, be mindful of sweeping waves and rip currents."

While it is still "early days", the weather for the coming weekend is likely to be fairly unsettled. A significant trough crossing the country brings with it the possibility of heavy rain in some places and strong winds in others. This event is likely to the subject of Severe Weather Watches and Warnings later in the week.

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at Metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates @metservice on Twitter or watch the latest weather videos on MetService TV.

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