Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Spring westerlies kick in
Spring westerlies kick in
"Weather patterns over New Zealand are set to change gear rather sharply as we start October," said MetService Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths. "We haven't yet seen the typical westerly gales that start spring - but that's about to change. We expect more westerly winds than usual over the country during October."
After an unusually cold September, eastern regions of New Zealand should finally enjoy some spring-like temperatures in the westerlies. "October temperatures are predicted to be average to above average in the east of both Islands. This will be a welcome change." In comparison, temperatures are forecast to be below average for western areas of the country in October.
Recently, the west and south of the South Island enjoyed an extended dry and sunny period, as Highs parked over the south of New Zealand. In contrast, easterlies produced significant rain for the eastern North Island, eastern Marlborough and north Canterbury. It was the fifth wettest September for Gisborne Airport (183mm, records began in 1905) and the wettest September for Napier Airport (171mm, records since 1950). Wairarapa, eastern Marlborough and north Canterbury also picked up useful easterly rain. Masterton and the Kaikoura Coast totalled about 130mm in September; Cheviot recorded 80mm, while Culverden clocked up around 30mm.
"The rainfall patterns over the country are also set for a rapid switch as we enter October," Griffiths stated. "Rainfall for the west and south of the South Island is likely to return to more normal levels in October,while the remainder of the country is predicted to see a drier than normal month".
The latest Rural Outlook can be found at www.metservice.com/rural/monthly-outlook. You can keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices atm.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com
ENDS
NIWA: Ship Anchors May Cause Extensive And Long-lasting Damage To The Seafloor, According To New Research
New Zealand Customs Service: A Step Forward For Simpler Trade Between New Zealand And Singapore
Horizon Research: 68% Say Make Banks Offer Fraud Protection
NZ Banking Association: Banks Seek Government Support For Anti-Scam Centre
National Road Carriers: Praises NZTA State Highway Investment Proposal Turnaround
Greenpeace: Cameras Reveal Mass Underreporting Of Dolphin, Albatross And Fish Bycatch By Commercial Fishing Industry
