Typical spring weather to greet royal couple: cloud, wind, rain and sun

New Zealand’s weather will stay true to spring form next week when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for their tour of the country.

Meteorologists at MetService, New Zealand’s official forecaster, say the weather will throw a little bit of everything at the couple meaning anyone heading out in the hope of seeing the royals, will need to check the forecasts before they go.

Communications Meteorologist Lisa Murray says the current forecast is for variable weather across the four days of the visit with Wednesday’s trip to Rotorua currently looking most likely to have the best weather meaning the couple’s visit should end on a high note.

“It seems rain and cloud will follow the couple here as it has in Sydney and the Pacific Islands but I’m sure nothing will detract from what is bound to be a highly successful visit to New Zealand," she says.

“The couple arrive in Wellington on Sunday and will be greeted with some rain in the morning, as the remains of a rain band moves away to the northeast. Volumes are not expected to be significant and the morning’s scattered cloud cover is expected to clear in the afternoon before building again in the evening. A northerly breeze is expected throughout the day and a high of 17°C.

“Monday’s visit to the Nelson region and Abel Tasman is looking to become a bit damp with rain building from the morning and into the afternoon which continues for the couple’s return into Wellington that evening. A high of 16°C is forecast.

“On Tuesday, it is likely that the couple will experience a Wellington southerly on departure to Auckland where wind will be at its strongest in the afternoon and evening. It won’t be the best day to be outside as it is forecast to be cloudy with periods of rain but with a high of 16°C.

“Finally, on Wednesday the weather improves with the couple’s day starting in Auckland with settled weather which continues for their visit to Rotorua. Light southwest winds and clear skies are expected as a ridge gradually builds over the city with a high temperature of 17°C.

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