MetService News Release

Sunday 7 February 2015

A ridge of high pressure lies over the South Island today, while easterly winds flow across the North Island. The easterlies weaken on Monday as the ridge of high pressure spreads over the North Island, and then persists for the rest of the week. Areas of cloud in the east of both islands, and scattered rain for northern Hawkes Bay and Gisborne are expected to gradually clear today and Monday as the easterly flow weakens. Similarly, showers for the upper North Island will become few and far between today.

“The ridge of high pressure will mean fine weather for many places this week, though not for everyone,” said MetService Meteorologist Claire Flynn. “On sunny Summer days, we can get the odd shower popping up in the afternoon as the day heats up – like bubbles popping up in a pot of water beginning to boil.” This trend is expected to continue all week for the central and upper North Island, and the some inland areas of the South Island, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms for some of these places on Monday.

A southerly change is expected to move up the South Island on Tuesday, meaning that eastern areas will see a few showers. However, due to the ridge of high pressure, this southerly change is expected to be weak. Another front skims the bottom of the South Island late on Wednesday and into Thursday, bringing periods of rain to Fiordland, and showers to Southland and parts of Otago.

ENDS

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