A Spring buffet for Aotearoa

13 September 2018

Rain, snow, gales and warm temperatures are in the forecast through to early next week, as weather systems preceded by northwesterly winds move onto the country from the Tasman Sea.

MetService Meteorologist Peter Little says, "A front is currently bringing heavy rain to the west of the South Island, but it will weaken away over central New Zealand during Friday morning as a ridge of high pressure over the North Island holds firm".

The ridge begins to move eastwards on Saturday, allowing a northwesterly flow to establish over the entire country. While cloudy periods and isolated showers are expected in the north and west of both islands, warm temperatures are likely to continue in the east, with maximum temperatures reaching into the twenties.

"Those attending the All Blacks v South Africa Rugby Championship in Wellington on Saturday evening will be pleased to hear the forecast is for a dry match with fresh northerly winds and a temperature around 13°C," says Little.

However, MetService is reminding people that wintery conditions will return to Southland and Otago next week.

A front, preceded by strong to gale force northwesterlies, is forecast to move onto southern New Zealand late Sunday, then move slowly northwards over the remainder of the South Island during Monday. This weather system is forecast to bring another burst of heavy rain to the West Coast, while rain in the east is expected to fall as snow down to 500 metres in Southland and Otago. "Snow will likely affect some of the higher roads in southern New Zealand late Sunday and Monday. Farmers may also need to consider providing shelter to vulnerable animals, such as new-born lambs," he says.

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