A Sunny Week Says MetService

21-Feb-2005

A Sunny Week Says MetService

MetService meteorologists are forecasting an extended period of dry sunny weather for most of the country this week. The only exceptions are a front brushing past the southwest of the South Island on Wednesday and Thursday and isolated showers for the eastern parts of Northland.

"The large high-pressure system over the nation has become slow-moving," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Its exit to the east is being delayed as a large depression, formally cyclone OLAF, makes its way out of the tropics. This means plenty of sunshine for most of us, and also a moderate swell rolling into our northeastern beaches."

The dry weather is increasing the fire risk. Marlborough has been the driest area this month with only 3 wet days so far

Karl Majorhazi of New Zealand Fire Service says that it is already dry enough now in several areas so the fire risk will continue increasing. "Fire Services will be on the lookout for periods of localised wind and low humidity which make fires very difficult to control. It is far better not to have fires start at all."

McDavitt added that although light winds are being forecast for the next few days, it looks like the South Island is in for increasing northwest winds this weekend ahead of a front finally arriving on Sunday or Monday.

ENDS

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