Covering period of Thursday 24th - Monday 28th July

• Cold, settled weather holds through Saturday for most
• Rain and wind move in from the south late Saturday
• More widespread wet weather expected early next week, with possible heavy falls for the north of both islands

Aotearoa New Zealand has enjoyed a run of calm, frosty mornings and crisp, clear days under a broad ridge of high pressure. Places like Dunedin Airport, Timaru, and Wanaka dipped to their lowest temperatures of the year this morning (Thursday), at -6.7°C, -4.7°C and -5.1°C respectively. While Aucklanders have seen consistent low morning temperatures, dropping below 4°C every day so far this week.

However, this spell of settled weather is coming to a close, as conditions gradually turn over the weekend with warmer temperatures, rain and wind firmly returning to the forecast from early next week. After what has been a notably cold and settled week of July, the shift to a more active pattern may feel like a dramatic change for many.

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden says, “We can enjoy the clear days for a little bit longer. But that ridge is on the move, and we’ll start to feel the effects as early as Saturday in the south.” He adds, “Our focus is on the next system which will bring rain and wind back into the picture for many areas by late Sunday and into Monday, with more severe weather possible on Tuesday.”

The first signs of change eventuate in Fiordland late Friday, with cloud and showers spreading northward. By Sunday, areas like Northland and the West Coast can expect scattered showers, while eastern regions such as Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay stay dry a little longer.

Next week looks more unsettled overall, with warmer temperatures brought in by strengthening northerly winds. Showers spread further east on Monday, and by Tuesday, there is the risk of heavier rain developing for the north of the North Island, the Tasman District and the West Coast, areas that have already seen plenty of severe weather this winter.

“Warnings and Watches for Heavy Rain and for Strong Winds may be issued in the coming days. Keep up with the latest information at metservice.com, especially as we head into a more active and changeable weather week,” advises Lynden.

© Scoop Media