A relatively cool and dry October on the cards for many

A relatively cool and dry October on the cards for many

"After a rough and tumble September for the North Island, it may come as a relief to many to see a drier October signalled in the outlook," said MetService Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths.

"Low pressures targeted the North Island during September, bringing a much wetter than usual month. Northwest Nelson and Buller also received above normal rainfall," Griffiths went on to say. "Of the six main centres, Auckland was the wettest, recording its third wettest September in over 50 years of observation," she commented.

In contrast, it was a dry start to spring for much of the South Island.September started out with a record run of dry weather for the West Coast. Hokitika and Westport both experienced a 23 day run with no rainfall - equalling the longest dry spell on record for Westport, and the second-longest at Hokitika.

But it's not all sunshine and barbeques in October. "The month starts off extremely cool, with blustery southwesterlies featuring during the first week," Griffiths said. As the month progresses, expect winds to swing more westerly and the temperatures to return to more normal levels. Highs are expected to move in intermittently from the Tasman Sea about mid-month.

"Overall, southwesterlies are expected to prevail over New Zealand during October, and temperatures are expected to be cooler than is usual at this time of year right across the country," Griffiths said. "Below normal October rainfall is likely for the north and east of both Islands."

For more information, the latest Rural Monthly Outlook can be found under the Rural section on metservice.com.

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