Change is the only constant for Spring weather

Change is the only constant for Spring weather - 14 September 2017

14 September 2017

It’s more of the same weather-wise heading into the weekend, as the changeable spring pattern stays with us. A constant barrage of fronts and lows charge across the Tasman Sea between now and Monday, occasionally interspersed with weak ridges of high pressure.

The wind flow is predominately northwesterly, and this has an obvious effect on our weather. Periods of rain affect northern and western regions, chiefly on Friday and Sunday, while drier warmer conditions are forecast for those in the east. These warmer temperatures show up for Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay today and tomorrow, with the mercury rising into the mid-twenties.

However, the weekend is a little cooler following a strong cold front which sweeps across the country tomorrow.

“There are Severe Weather Warnings and Watches in effect for strong wind and heavy rain associated with the arrival of the cold front on Friday,” said MetService forecaster Cameron Coutts.

A weak ridge of high pressure on Saturday brings a brief, settled spell for the North Island and east of the South Island.

“A fine Saturday afternoon and evening in Auckland is good news for the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship match against the Springboks in Albany,” commented Coutts. “Hopefully the dry conditions will be conducive to some exciting running rugby,” he added.

Another front is forecast to cross the Tasman Sea and push onto Fiordland and southern Westland on Saturday evening. This front then sweeps quickly across central and northern New Zealand on Sunday, bringing another burst of rain.

On Sunday and Monday, a southerly change fixes itself over the far south of the country, and is likely to bring persistent rain and colder southerlies to Southland and possibly Otago.

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