March 2015 - The Highs take a break
MetService News Release
Friday, 27 Feb 2015
March 2015 - The Highs take a break
"The Highs which have had a tight grip on the country recently look likely to take a break as we start March" said MetService Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths. "This is the best shot at getting some rain that we have seen for a long time."
Northerly winds develop over New Zealand in the first week of March,allowing some much-needed rainfall into northern and western regions of both Islands. However, during the second week of the month, Highs return to the South Island, with a return to relatively dry conditions there. The second half of March shows intermittent showers for many regions - including the drought regions of the north and east of the South Island. Overall, near normal to above normal March rainfall is forecast for the north and west of both Islands, while for eastern areas, near normal or below normal rainfall is expected.
The MetService March outlook indicates a warmer than usual month for much of the country. "Above average temperatures are forecast for March for most regions - the exception being the eastern coastline, where closer to average March temperatures are indicated" Griffiths stated.
For more information, the latest Monthly Outlook can be found under the Rural section on metservice.com.
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