More settled weather on the way - but the cold remains

MetService News Release
Monday, 20 Jul 2015

More settled weather on the way - but the cold remains

An icy southerly flow made for a wintry weekend across the South Island and lower North Island. Snow fell to low levels across parts of the South Island, and southerly gales blasted their way up the country, which helped generate ten metre waves in Cook Strait. Northern New Zealand didn't escape the stormy weather, with heavy rain and northwest gales affecting a number of places on Saturday.

The polar outbreak continues as another cold front sweeps up the country today, with wintry showers and southerly gales returning to eastern areas. Showers in the west also become more frequent for a time before clearing. A Severe Weather Watch has been issued for a risk of severe southerly gales about New Zealand's east coast for a time today and Tuesday, and heavy southerly swells are once again expected to pound the coastline. In addition, another period of snow will likely affect some higher roads, including the Desert Road, today and Tuesday morning. For the latest Severe Weather information go to http://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

On Tuesday, a ridge of high pressure begins to build over the country,with winds easing and showers clearing from most places. "This incoming high means much of New Zealand, especially inland places, can expect another round of frosty mornings this week," commented MetService Meteorologist Peter Little. "Places such as Central Otago and the MacKenzie Basin can expect to start the next few days well below zero," added Little.

The high remains in charge through Wednesday and Thursday, with fine,frosty weather and light winds forecast for a number of places. On Fridaya northerly flow develops, bringing with it increasing cloud and a few showers to northern New Zealand and the West Coast. Little went on to say, "Looking further ahead, a trough is set to bring unsettled weather to much of the country this weekend, so if you're planning outdoor activities it would pay to keep a close eye on the forecast."

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings atmetservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com

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