Pattern Change Possible For Christmas Weather

17-Dec-2004

Pattern Change Possible For Christmas Weather

MetService weather forecasts for this weekend are going for cold conditions with strong southwest winds over the whole country. Hail is likely in many places and snow is forecast above about 700 metres for the south and east of the South Island. This is the third such cold weekend in a row, but MetService meteorologists are now reasonably confident of a pattern change in time for Christmas.

"The recent unseasonable weather has been caused by low-pressure systems deepening in the area south of Chatham Island," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Fine summer weather is associated with anticyclones and we haven't had a decent anticyclone since mid November. Finally, one of these is now expected to cross the northern Tasman Sea late next week. This change of weather pattern may help bring some fine sunny weather to parts of New Zealand just in time for Christmas."

McDavitt added that this is just a preliminary outlook and that holiday travellers should seek the latest weather updates to help plan a safe and pleasant trip.

ENDS

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