Covering period of Thursday 14th - Monday 18th May

Get outside and enjoy the settled – albeit chilly – autumn weather. That’s the advice from MetService meteorologist, Dom Barry. “This weekend we are forecasting clear, sunny skies for most, as well as some cold overnight temperatures. Now’s the time to get out and do that next outdoor adventure or finish off that DIY project, while the great weather lasts.”

A ridge of high pressure makes itself at home over central and southern Aotearoa today (Thursday) and remains the dominant feature through to early next week.

The weekend’s sporting events will be fine and possibly frosty for most. Overnight temperatures will be in the low single digits for most, with only places in Northland scraping by with 10 degrees most nights. Many areas of inland Otago, Southland and Canterbury will get into the negatives at night. But daytime highs in the early teens for most places should brighten up the day.

But it’s not fine and dandy weather for everyone. Barry continues, “Unfortunately for those in eastern and northernmost regions, there is an onshore flow which does pile the cloud up against the hills, and some showers will squeeze out, especially in those elevated areas. That means the Hawke’s Bay marathon runners may get a bit damp on Saturday.” Southland may also see the odd drop at times tomorrow (Friday).

The story remains broadly similar through to early next week. With no severe weather on the horizon, it is a welcome reprieve from a very busy first few months of 2026!

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